Magnetic functional element and magnetic recording medium
AssigneeSony Corporation
InventorsYoh Iwasaki, Kazuhiro Bessho
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A magnetic functional element can operate stably and reliably with a satisfactorily low rate of power consumption if used to realize an enhanced degree of integration. The magnetic fuctional element comprises strain-sensitive magnetic layer 2 having a magnetic state variable with strain and a strain applying layer 3 adapted to apply strain to the strain-sensitive magnetic layer. The magnetic state of the strain-sensitive magnetic layer 2 is controlled by controlling the strain applied to the strain-sensitive magnetic layer 2. Thus, it is no longer necessary to generate a magnetic field by means of an electric current in order to change the magnetic state of the element.
Claims70
A magnetic functional element comprising a strain-sensitive magnetic layer having a magnetic state variable with strain and a strain applying layer for applying strain to the strain-sensitive magnetic layer;
- wherein said strain applying layer is made of a material having a piezoelectric effect or an electrostrictive effect and applies the strain produced therein by the voltage applied thereto to said strain-sensitive magnetic layer;
- and
- wherein information is recorded as a result of a change in the magnetic state of said strain-sensitive magnetic layer.
A magnetic recording medium comprising:
- a plurality of magnetic functional elements, each including a strain-sensitive magnetic layer having a magnetic state variable with strain and a strain applying layer for applying strain to the strain-sensitive magnetic layer, the elements for recording information by using changes in the strain-sensitive magnetic layer of each element;
- wherein said strain applying layer is made of a material having a piezoelectric effect or an electrostrictive effect and applies the strain produced therein by the voltage applied thereto to said strain-sensitive magnetic layer.
A magnetic functional element comprising:
- a strain-sensitive magnetic layer having a magnetic state variable with strain and a strain applying layer for applying strain to the strain-sensitive magnetic layer;
- and
- ultrasonic pulse generating means for generating an ultrasonic pulse;
- said strain applying layer applying the strain produced therein by the ultrasonic pulse applied thereto to said strain-sensitive magnetic layer;
- and
- wherein information is recorded as a result of a change in the magnetic state of said strain-sensitive magnetic layer.
A magnetic functional element comprising:
- a strain-sensitive magnetic layer having a magnetic state variable with strain and a strain applying layer for applying strain to the strain-sensitive magnetic layer;
- wherein said strain applying layer is made of a material having a piezoelectric effect or an electrostrictive effect and applies the strain produced therein by the voltage applied thereto to said strain-sensitive magnetic layer;
- and
- wherein said strain-sensitive magnetic layer changes its direction of magnetization as strain is applied thereto.
A magnetic functional element comprising:
- a strain-sensitive magnetic layer having a magnetic state variable with strain and a strain applying layer for applying strain to the strain-sensitive magnetic layer;
- and
- ultrasonic pulse generating means for generating an ultrasonic pulse;
- said strain applying layer applying the strain produced therein by the ultrasonic pulse applied thereto to said strain-sensitive magnetic layer;
- and
- wherein said strain-sensitive magnetic layer changes its direction of magnetization as strain is applied thereto.
A magnetic recording medium comprising:
- a plurality of magnetic functional elements, each including a strain-sensitive magnetic layer having a magnetic state variable with strain and a strain applying layer for applying strain to the strain-sensitive magnetic layer, the elements for recording information by using changes in the strain-sensitive magnetic layer of each element;
- and
- ultrasonic pulse generating means for generating an ultrasonic pulse;
- said strain applying layer applying the strain produced therein by the ultrasonic pulse applied thereto to said strain-sensitive magnetic layer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.