Topological spin textures in 3-dimensional magnetic structures
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorKai Liu
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Abstract
Utilizing the topological character of patterns in 3D structures is beneficial for information storage, magnetic memory and logic systems. One embodiment describes the use of topological knots, exemplified by a Möbius strip, in which a spin traversing along the band for a complete cycle will recover its original position, while having rotated away from its original orientation. The spins can respond to an external magnetic field, but cannot achieve a ferromagnetic state, in which all magnetic moments are pointing in the same direction, due to the topological knot. 3D assemblies of such nano-Möbius strips may form a prototype secure magnetic information storage device that are secure and with extremely low levels of energy dissipation.
Claims11
An apparatus for information storage, magnetic memory, or logic devices, comprising:
- (a) a three-dimensional topological knot structure comprising a band having one half twist, or an odd number of half twists, with ends of the band which are joined together;
- (b) wherein said three-dimensional topological knot structure incorporates at least one magnetic material;
- (c) a magnetic state which can be induced into said three-dimensional topological knot structure to have a magnetic pattern which can vary section-by-section giving said three-dimensional topological knot structure a topological magnetic state;
- (d) wherein said odd number of half twists along said band is configured to cause magnetic spins that traverse said band for a complete cycle to recover their original position, yet with a finite rotation, so that the magnetic spins can respond to an external magnetic field without achieving a ferromagnetic state, having all magnetic moments pointing in the same direction, under continuous transformations;
- and
- (e) whereby the topological magnetic state of said three-dimensional topological knot structure can be read-out for information storage, magnetic memory or logic devices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.