Researchers from the University of Minnesota are proposing a new composite structure for STT-RAM devices that reduces current densities by up to a factor of 50. According to the researchers, the major issue with STT-RAM is the high power inputs it requires, and the degradation of the storage elements due to the heat created from these high power inputs. The researchers hope that the new structure will pave the way for STT-RAM to become a universal memory.
The composite structure is formed by inserting one or more soft assisting layers between the recording layer and the layer with a permanent polarity. The soft assisting layers have smaller polarities than the recording layer with each assisting layer closer to the recording layer having a stronger polarity than the previous layer.