4464 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MAGNETICS, VOL. 49, NO.

7, JULY 2013

Experimental Demonstration of a 1-Bit Full Adder

in Perpendicular Nanomagnetic Logic
Stephan Breitkreutz , Josef Kiermaier , Irina Eichwald , Christian Hildbrand , Gyorgy Csaba ,
Doris Schmitt-Landsiedel , and Markus Becherer
Lehrstuhl für Technische Elektronik, Technische Universität München, München, Munich 80333, Germany
. Center for Nano Science and Technology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA

In this paper a 1-bit full adder realized in perpendicular nanomagnetic logic (pNML) is presented for the first time. The theory of
NML with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is introduced illustrating the great benefit of the universal majority decision. The working
principle of complex logic circuits is experimentally demonstrated utilizing the presented full adder. Partial focused ion beam irradiation
is used to control the anisotropy locally and tailor the magnetic behavior of the nanomagnets. A full adder structure consisting of 3
majority gates and 4 inverters is realized on an area of 17 um . Global, alternating field pulses with constant amplitude are used as
power clock. MFM measurements demonstrate the functionality of the structure and the validity of the introduced theory.
The presented work proves the working principle of non-volatile, field-coupled logic and demonstrates the feasibility of complex logic
circuits in perpendicular nanomagnetic logic.
Index Terms—Full adder, logic circuit, nanomagnetic logic, perpendicular magnetic anisotropy.

I. INTRODUCTION

N ANOMAGNETIC logic (NML) is an emerging tech-

nology using field-coupled nanomagnets combining
logic and memory functionality in a single device [1]. The
magnetization direction of bistable nanomagnets is used as
logic state. Digital signal processing is achieved by interac-
tion of the nanomagnets via magneto-static field-coupling.
Non-volatility, high density integration, low power consump-
tion and possible integration to CMOS backend processes are
key features of NML denoting its great potential for “beyond
Moore” integrated circuit technology.
A first study indicating the potential of the utilization of
nanomagnets with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA)
as logic computing devices has been proposed in 2002 [2]. In
contrast to the well studied in-plane NML using Permalloy
nanomagnets with dominant shape anisotropy [3], [4], the
switching behavior of perpendicular nanomagnets made of
Co/Pt multilayer is defined by the interface and crystalline
anisotropy [5]. User-defined dot geometries facilitate highest
density integration of logic gates combined with customized
circuit layouts [6]. Unidirectional signal flow is achieved by
partial focused ion beam (FIB) irradiation of the nanomagnets
[7]. Signal transmission in a chain of field-coupled nanomag-
nets and a majority gate as logic element have recently been
shown [8], [9]. Micromagnetic simulations show the potential
of pNML for future demands on non-volatile logic [10].
Fig. 1 shows an envisioned system for perpendicular NML.
Logic functionality is enabled by majority gates and inverter
structures. Elongated nanomagnets enable the domain wall
motion from gate to gate. The signal
flow direction is programmed by the position of the artificial
nucleation centers (ANCs) fabricated by local ion irradiation.
Clocking is realized by a homogeneous, alternating magnetic
Manuscript received October 30, 2012; revised January 04, 2013; accepted
January 22, 2013. Date of current version July 15, 2013. Corresponding author:
S. Breitkreutz (e-mail: stephan.breitkreutz@tum.de).
Color versions of one or more of the figures in this paper are available online
at http://ieeexplore.ieee.org.
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/TMAG.2013.2243704
Fig. 1. Envisioned NML system using majority gates and inverters to enable
logic funtionality. Artificial nucleation centers (ANCs) fabricated by local ion
irradiation determine the signal flow direction. Current wires and perpendicular
GMR/MTJ devices allow for electrical circuitry integration. The power clock is
provided by a clocking unit, e.g., on-chip inductors.
field provided by a clocking unit, which can be realized exter-
nally using a standard air-coil or integrated using an on-chip
inductor. Integration of pNML in standard CMOS circuits
can be achieved by current wires and/or standard GMR- and
MTJ-structures to set or read-out the magnetization state of
sub-100 nm-nanodots with PMA [11]–[13].
This paper focuses on the realization and demonstration of
logic circuits in perpendicular NML. Exemplarily, a 1-bit full
adder is experimentally demonstrated and its working principle
is discussed in detail.
II. THEORY OF PERPENDICULAR NML
A. Switching Process and Local Ion Irradiation
The reversal process of an as-grown nanomagnet is governed
by domain wall (DW) nucleation at the weakest area in the nano-
magnet [14]. Application of an external, perpendicular field nu-
cleates a DW at this weakest link and, after depinning, propa-
gates it through the entire dot and completely reverses it [15],
[16]. For the realization of logic operations, it is fundamental to
control the location and the required field amplitude of the DW
nucleation process. FIB irradiation intermixes the single layers
of the Co/Pt multilayer stack and reduces the switching field
of the thin film [17]. Partial FIB irradiation in an etched nano-
magnet reduces its anisotropy locally and therefore creates an
artificial nucleation center (ANC). Hence, the reversal process

0018-9464/$31.00 © 2013 IEEE

BREITKREUTZ et al.: EXPERIMENTAL DEMONSTRATION OF A 1-BIT FULL ADDER IN PERPENDICULAR NANOMAGNETIC LOGIC
Fig. 2. Switching behavior and clocking of partial irradiated, field-coupled
nanomagnets. (a) Partial FIB irradiation creates an artificial nucleation center
with reduced anisotropy and reduces the coercivity from to . (b) The
coupling field k of the neighbor nanomagnet acts on the ANC and super-
poses with the external field . Hence, the hysteresis is shifted by . (c)
Clocking with an alternating magnetic field with amplitude forces
coupled nanomagnets to the antiparallel state. (a) Irradiation. (b) Interaction.
(c) Clocking.
starts at a user-defined spot allowing for well-controlled DW nu-
cleation and propagation in each single nanomagnet. The coer-
civity of the nanomagnets is reduced from in the as-grown
state to [Fig. 2(a)]. The coercivity of the partial irradiated
nanomagnet is controlled by size and dose of the partial FIB irra-
diation [18], [19]. Accordingly, the intrinsic switching field dis-
tribution (SFD) of the as-grown nanomagnets [20] is replaced
by the SFD of the ANCs.
B. Logic Operation and Clocking
For the realization of logic operations, the DW nucleation at
the ANC is supported or constrained by the coupling fields of
surrounding nanomagnets. The coupling field of a given magnet
acts antiparallel on its neighbor compared to its own magnetiza-
tion [Fig. 2(b)]. The coupling field k superposes with the ap-
plied, perpendicular clocking field and therefore shifts the hys-
teresis of the neighbor nanomagnet to left or right depending
on the magnetization state [7]. The coercivity is increased
or decreased by the strength of the coupling field k. An alter-
nating clocking field with adequate amplitude
will force the nanomagnet to switch to the antiparallel state
compared to its neighbor . The antiparallel ordering con-
stitutes the basis for logic operations. Due to switching field
distributions caused by the influence of thermal noise [21] and
fabrication variations of the ANC from dot to dot, the residual
clocking window [Fig. 2(c)] for complex NML circuits is no-
ticeably reduced [8].
C. Basic Building Blocks and Logic Circuits
Complex logic circuits mostly consist of majority gates and
inverters, which can be seen as the basic building blocks for
pNML. In an inverter structure [Fig. 3(a)], the ANC of the
4465
Fig. 3. Inverter (a) and majority gate (b) as basic building blocks for perpendic-
ular NML. A 1-bit full adder (c) with inputs A, B and carry-in ) and outputs
sum S and carry-out is realized by 3 majority gates and 4 inverter struc-
tures connected by wires.
output magnet O is surrounded by an input magnet I. The
enhancement in the layout from squared dots to this fork-like
structure increases the coupling field roughly by a factor of 3.
During clocking, the output is forced to the antiparallel state of
the input. In a majority gate [Fig. 3(b)], the superposition of the
coupling fields of three (or more) input nanomagnets enables
logic computation by the universal majority decision [9]. Equal
geometry and distance of the input magnets to the
ANC of the output O is necessary for correct operation of the
gate [9]. In each building block, the output is aligned antipar-
allel compared to the input majority after one clocking cycle.
Due to the reversal mechanism of propagating DWs, the output
of each building block (majority gates and inverters) can be
used as input for subsequent blocks. Hence, signal propagation
in a complex circuit is achieved step by step according to the
clocking field.
Fig. 3(c) shows the layout of a 1-bit full adder in pNML con-
sisting of 3 inputs (A, B and carry-in ), 3 majority gates and
4 inverter structures. According to the truth table, the carry-out
is just the AND function of A and B if the carry-in .
If , the carry-out is computed by the OR function.
Here, the great benefit of the majority decision is used for calcu-
lation. According to Fig. 3(b), the carry-in programs the ma-
jority gate to a NAND or NOR [9]. For
the carry-out , the output of is just inverted by a subse-
quent inverter. The sum S is the majority function of the carry-in
, the negated carry-out and the majority of
. Introducing M as logical majority operator,
the logic operation of a 1-bit full adder can be expressed as
(1)
(2)
Regarding the ordering mechanism of subsequent building
blocks in the critical path (longest ordering path), correct
4466 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MAGNETICS, VOL. 49, NO. 7, JULY 2013

Fig. 5. Clocking scheme for the full adder structure. Before clocking, the input
magnets A, B and are set to the designated configuration, all other magnets
are initialized to the positive state (init, time ). During clocking, the structure
is sequentially ordered by alternating field pulses with constant amplitude (time
Fig. 4. SEM image of the fabricated 1-bit full adder structure with inputs A, B
– ). After 3 clocking pulses (time ), the outputs sum S and carry-out
and carry-in and outputs sum S and carry-out .
show the correct result. The ordered structure does not change by any further
pulses (time ).

computation of sum S and carry-out is assured after a

maximum of 3 clocking cycles. in an operating circuit, the inputs would be set by previous com-
puting structures or electrical I/O devices.
III. EXPERIMENT Fig. 5 shows the clocking scheme and the corresponding
signal propagation in the full adder structure. Before clocking,
A. Fabrication Technology
the input magnets A, B and are set by initial field pulses
The nanomagnets of the full adder structure consist of a to the designated configuration. Afterwards, all other magnets
multilayer stack which is are set to the positive state by a positive pulse of 100 mT
magnetron sputtered on a thermally oxidized Si wafer. (initialized state, time ).
The 5 nm Pt seedlayer grows in the -direction which For signal processing and therefore order the nanomagnets in
is required to enforce the perpendicular anisotropy of the Co the utilized full adder structure, a power clock using alternating
layers [22]. The 5 nm Pt toplayer prevents the Co layers from field pulses with constant amplitude mT is
oxidation. The multilayer film is structured by Argon ion beam applied. For demonstration of the ordering process, an MFM
etching using an evaporated 5 nm Ti hard mask. Afterwards, image is taken after each clocking pulse. As a result, the struc-
the nanomagnets are partially irradiated on an area of 60 nm 60 ture is sequentially ordered by the alternating field pulses (time
nm with a dose of using a 50 kV Ga – ). After 3 clocking pulses (time ), the structure is com-
FIB system. Fig. 4 shows an SEM image of the fabricated pletely ordered and the outputs sum S and carry-out show
structure, which has a size of 5 m 3.4 m. The width of the the correct result. Due to the given input configuration, complete
nanomagnets is 200 nm, and the gap between the magnets is ordering occurs earlier as denoted for the critical path. However,
approximately 30 nm. the correct state of the output magnets can only be guaranteed
after 3 complete clocking cycles. Indeed, the ordered structure
B. Results represents the lowest energy state and does not change by any
Due to the lowered anisotropy at the ANC, the partial irra- further pulses (time ).
diated nanomagnets have a mean switching field of approxi- It was not possible to clock the structure with a constant
mately 56 mT, which is according to Fig. 2 also the ampli- clocking field amplitude within each input configuration.
tude for the clocking field. The input magnets A, Sometimes a higher field pulse to switch a nanomagnet to the
B and carry-in are not irradiated and therefore have high designated state or a lower one to not switch it in the parallel
switching fields around 300 mT. Hence, they are not affected state back again was needed. Thus, there is no remaining
by the clocking pulses. clocking window as supposed in Fig. 2(c). This can be traced
The domain wall speed at the clocking field amplitude back to fabrication variations of the ANCs in addition with the
in a 200 nm wire is (m/s) and was measured influence of thermal noise and has already been observed in
in further experiments. With the longest nanomagnet length of other experiments [8]. To guarantee a sufficiently large clocking
m, the corresponding maximum clocking field fre- window, the coupling fields need to be enhanced by decreasing
quency is MHz. The worst case power dissipa- the distance between the nanomagnets and at the same time
tion of the full adder device is calculated to 777 aJ per clocking variations need to be reduced by optimizations of the partial
cycle. FIB irradiation technique. Furthermore, improvements and/or
Coupling fields are estimated by finite element calculations changes of the utilized multilayer system (e.g., to Co/Ni films)
using the point-dipole approximation, which was found to be are conceivable.
very accurate in former experiments [9]. For our structures, we Nevertheless, the experiment has been performed for all pos-
calculated coupling fields of mT for the inverters and sible input configurations and the structure is successfully or-
mT for each input of the majority gates. dered for each case (Fig. 6). The sum S and the carry-out
To demonstrate the working principle of the full adder struc- show the correct result and are ordered up or down according to
ture, the input configuration is first set by external fields; after- the number of input magnets pointing upwards. In comparison
wards the outputs sum S and carry-out are computed by to other so far reported, experimental work concerning com-
an alternating clocking field with 56 mT amplitude. Certainly, plex NML circuits, our full adder device is the first complex
BREITKREUTZ et al.: EXPERIMENTAL DEMONSTRATION OF A 1-BIT FULL ADDER IN PERPENDICULAR NANOMAGNETIC LOGIC
1478/9-1), the DARPA (DARPA-BAA-10-42, project
“Non-volatile logic”) and TU München, Institute for Ad-
vanced Study, funded by the German Excellence Initiative.
Fig. 6. MFM-images of the ordered structure for all input configurations. The
outputs sum S and carry-out are correctly computed for all possible input
configurations of A, B and (zero, one, two or three positive inputs).
pNML circuit showing correct logic functionality. In compar-
ison to the in-plane NML approach of [4], our device is slower
(three versus one clocking cycle per computation due to the
clocking concept) and has a larger footprint (17 m versus 2.3
m ). However, simulations indicate a size m for the ul-
timately scaled version of our device which will also make it
faster (shorter magnets). User-definable dot geometries enable
more complex layouts and considerably less magnets (10 versus
31). Essential advantage of pNML, however, is that the directed
signal flow is programmed by the ANCs.
IV. CONCLUSION
A 1-bit full adder structure as exemplary logic circuit for per-
pendicular NML is experimentally demonstrated. The compact
design using multiple majority gates and inverter structures in-
dicates the great benefit of the universal majority decision for
the realization of complex, digital logic circuits. The specific
creation of artificial nucleation centers by partial focused ion
beam irradiation plays a fundamental role in controlling the
nucleation and propagation of domain walls in perpendicular
media. For the realization of logic operations, superposing cou-
pling fields of nearby nanomagnets are used to locally increase
or decrease the field amplitude needed for the nucleation and de-
pinning of domain walls. Signal propagation on the basis of se-
quential ordering of the nanomagnets is observed using a global
clocking field.
The presented 1-bit full adder structure is successfully or-
dered and shows correct results for all input configurations, even
though we were not able to clock the structure with a constant
field amplitude. Our results prove the possibility to concatenate
gates to form complex logic circuitry and demonstrate the ben-
efit and the feasibility of perpendicular NML.
4467
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This work was supported by the DFG (Grant SCHM
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