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Opportunities and challenges for spintronics in the microelectronics industry

Abstract

Spintronic devices exploit the spin, as well as the charge, of electrons and could bring new capabilities to the microelectronics industry. However, in order for spintronic devices to meet the ever-increasing demands of the industry, innovation in terms of materials, processes and circuits are required. Here, we review recent developments in spintronics that could soon have an impact on the microelectronics and information technology industry. We highlight and explore four key areas: magnetic memories, magnetic sensors, radio-frequency and microwave devices, and logic and non-Boolean devices. We also discuss the challenges—at both the device and the system level—that need be addressed in order to integrate spintronic materials and functionalities into mainstream microelectronic platforms.

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Fig. 1: Nonvolatile magnetic memories.
Fig. 2: Magnetic sensors.
Fig. 3: Radiofrequency and microwaves devices.
Fig. 4: Spintronic approaches for logic.
Fig. 5: Spintronics materials.
Fig. 6: Modelling approaches used in spintronics.

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B.D. and P.B. have coordinated the writing of this review. I.L.P., K.G. and P.G. wrote the section “Magnetic memories”. P.F., R.L. and W.R. wrote the section “Magnetic sensors”; U.E., S.O.D., J.A., P.B. and A.D. wrote the section “Radio-frequency and microwave devices”. P.P., C.A., A.A. and A.V.C. wrote the section “Logic and non-Boolean devices”. A.H., S.M., S.V. and M.C.O. wrote the section “Advanced materials, fabrication and tests”. M.d’A., G.P., G.F., L.L.D., R.C. and O.C.F. wrote the section “Modelling and design”.

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Correspondence to B. Dieny or P. Bortolotti.

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Dieny, B., Prejbeanu, I.L., Garello, K. et al. Opportunities and challenges for spintronics in the microelectronics industry. Nat Electron 3, 446–459 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41928-020-0461-5

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