Expectations for Power Saving in AI and Data Centers, QST and others demonstrate new technology for realizing optically driven magnetic memory

Kohsoku Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that research results from our femtosecond laser research equipment have been published in a joint research project involving the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), University of Hyogo, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI), Tokyo University of Science, and NTT Corporation.

In this research, we succeeded in demonstrating "All-Optical Switching," which controls magnetization reversal using only laser light, towards the realization of optically driven magnetic memory using CoFeB-based artificial ferrimagnetic materials. Optically driven magnetic memory is attracting attention as a next-generation information recording technology that is expected to achieve high-speed operation and low power consumption compared to conventional current-driven memory.

Research Results Overview

In recent years, the rapid spread of AI and data centers has led to a significant challenge of increasing power consumption in information processing systems. As one solution, research and development of magnetic memory technology utilizing electron spins is progressing.

Optically driven magnetic memory is a new information recording technology that rewrites magnetic information using laser light. It has the potential to reduce the heat generation and power consumption issues associated with current-based writing, and is expected to serve as a highly efficient information processing infrastructure required for AI servers and data centers.

In this research, by irradiating a CoFeB (cobalt-iron-boron alloy) based artificial ferrimagnetic structure with an ultrashort pulse laser, we achieved magnetization reversal without the use of an external magnetic field. Furthermore, detailed elucidation of the magnetization reversal mechanism was advanced through element-selective magnetic analysis using synchrotron radiation from NanoTerasu.

This achievement is an important step towards the realization of optically driven magnetic memory, and its application to future high-speed, low-power information processing technologies is anticipated.

Kohsoku's Contribution

In this research, the "Femtosecond Laser Research Equipment for High-Intensity Electromagnetic Field Generation" developed by Kohsoku Co., Ltd. was utilized as the ultrashort pulse light source to induce magnetization reversal.

This system is equipped with a femtosecond laser light source with a wavelength of 1035 nm, a pulse width of less than 300 fs, and a pulse energy of 10 μJ or more, and supports research on ultrafast optical phenomena and spin dynamics.

It also features a focusing optical system using an objective lens with a high numerical aperture (N.A. 0.4) and an observation system with a CMOS camera, and is used for advanced research applications utilizing high-intensity electromagnetic fields.

In this research, all-optical switching in CoFeB-based artificial ferrimagnetic materials was evaluated through ultrashort pulse laser irradiation using this research equipment, contributing to research results towards the realization of optically driven magnetic memory.

Related Products and Research Support System

Our company provides proposals and implementation support for ultrashort pulse laser systems, including femtosecond lasers, for research and development purposes at research institutions, universities, and companies. Femtosecond lasers are utilized in a wide range of fields such as spintronics research, quantum material research, ultrafast spectroscopy, semiconductor evaluation, and precision microfabrication.

Our company provides proposals and implementation support for various femtosecond lasers and ultrashort pulse laser systems for both research and industrial applications.

Related URLs

QST Press Release https://www.qst.go.jp/site/press/20260608.html

Kohsoku Co., Ltd. - Ultrashort Pulse Lasers https://www.symphotony.com/products/ultrashort/

Contact Information

Kohsoku Co., Ltd. Laser Processing Department Inquiry Form https://www.symphotony.com/ultrashort_contact/ Tel: 080-2452-9200 (Weekdays 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) Mail: [email protected]

Research Equipment Photo Femtosecond Laser Research Equipment for High-Intensity Electromagnetic Field Generation

Main Specifications - Laser Wavelength: 1035 nm - Pulse Width: Less than 300 fs - Generated Pulse Energy: 10 μJ or more - High-Intensity Electromagnetic Field Generation Lens: Magnification x20, N.A. 0.4 - High-Intensity Electromagnetic Field Observation Sensor: CMOS Camera