Using a spin torque nano-oscillator to read memory based on the magnetic permeability

We present an archival memory utilizing a spin torque nano-oscillator (STNO) to read bits of data with different magnetic permeability. Basing a magnetic memory on this intrinsic property rather than remanent magnetization reduces the risk of data corruption. The permeability of the bits is read as changes in an applied probe field near the media. These changes in the probe field are measured by detecting microwave frequency shifts in STNOs. The probe field can be tuned over hundreds of Oe to optimize the reading of the media. Using a 400 Oe probe field, we have measured 2% frequency shifts in a STNO near micrometre-sized bits of (1) lithographically-patterned permalloy lines and (2) laser-crystallized Metglas lines. Data from either media was not corrupted by exposure to fields of 6400 Oe and temperatures of 523 K.