Signal crossing in perpendicular nanomagnetic logic

In this paper, for the first time, a magnetic signal crossing device in field-coupled logic with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is demonstrated experimentally. A 3D arrangement is used to cross magnetic signals. One of the signals to be crossed is routed through a second functional layer and lead back to its original layer by field-interaction of magnets lying above each other. As input signals, the magnetization states "up" or "down" corresponding to the logic states "1" or "0" are injected into the crossing device and unimpeded, directed signal flow is proven by magnetic force microscopy. The field-coupling between overlying magnets is measured by magneto-optical microscopy, and the results are compared to numerical simulations being in very good agreement. The presented crossing structure will enable a flexible design of compact logic blocks and a high integration density in perpendicular nanomagnetic logic.