Superconducting/magnetic three-state nanodevice for memory and reading applications

Abstract

We present a simple nanodevice that can operate in two modes: i) non-volatile three-state memory and ii) reading device. The nanodevice can retain three well defined states −1, 0 and +1 and can operate in a second mode as a sensor for external magnetic fields. The nanodevice is fabricated with an array of ordered triangular-shaped nanomagnets embedded in a superconducting thin film gown on Si substrates. The device runs based on the combination of superconducting vortex ratchet effect (superconducting film) with the out of plane magnetization (nanomagnets). The input signals are ac currents and the output signal are dc voltages. The memory mode is realized without applying a magnetic field and the nanomagnet stray magnetic fields govern the effect. In the sensor mode an external magnetic field is applied. The main characteristic of this mode is that the output signal is null for a precise value of the external magnetic field that only depends on the fabrication characteristics of the nanodevice.