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Contracting Office Address
Other Defense Agencies, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency,
Contracts Management Office, 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA,
22203-1714, UNITED STATES
Description
DARPA is soliciting innovative research and development (R&D) proposals
in the area of Spin-Torque Transfer Random Access Memory technologies.
The goal of this program is to develop materials and processes to fully
exploit the spin-torque transfer (STT) phenomenon for creating
"universal" memory elements. A universal memory element is one that
exhibits scalability for high capacity of storage per unit volume, as
well as high read/write speed, compatibility with CMOS processes, and
non-volatility. Proposed research should investigate innovative
approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or
systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in
evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.
Prior research in micro-magnetics and spintronics has led to the
exploitation of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effects for rotating
magnetic disk drive memories, as well as magnetic tunneling junctions (MTJ)
for magnetic random access memory (MRAM). The spin-torque transfer (STT)
effect is a recent discovery that exploits magnetic spin states to
electrically change the magnetic orientation of a material (Science 285,
867 (1999)). Components based on the STT effect can have the properties
of a universal memory, high density, high speed, non-volatility, high
endurance, and can also be well suited for harsh environments such as
those with exposure to ionizing radiation. In addition, they can operate
from a single power supply voltage level greatly simplifying associated
circuitry.
This program is aimed at developing the core technology for exploiting
spin-torque transfer and related phenomena for producing large-scale
memories. Compatibility and stability with expected mainstream processes
for semiconductor electronics and patterned media is an important
attribute that should enable significant leverage for these new
technologies in delivering early demonstrations and in gaining wider
acceptance.
All administrative correspondence and questions on this solicitation,
including requests for information on how to submit a proposal abstract
or full proposal to this BAA, should be directed to BAA08-16@darpa.mil.
Full BAA is
attached.
Point of Contact
Devanand Shenoy, Program Manager, DARPA/MTO, Phone (571) 218-4932, Fax
(703) 696-2206, Email
Devanand.Shenoy@darpa.mil - Michael Blackstone, Contracting Officer,
Phone (571) 218-4804, Fax (703) 696-2208, Email
michael.blackstone@darpa.mil
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