Search

Arrays of spin-torque nano-oscillators are promising for broadband microwave signal detection and processing, as well as for neuromorphic computing. In many of these applications, the oscillators should be engineered to have equally spaced frequencies and equal sensitivity to microwave inputs. Here we design spin-torque nano-oscillator arrays with these rules and estimate their optimum size for a given sensitivity, as well as the frequency range that they cover. For this purpose, we explore analytically and numerically conditions to obtain vortex spin-torque nano-oscillators with equally spaced gyrotropic oscillation frequencies and having all similar synchronization bandwidths to input microwave signals. We show that arrays of hundreds of oscillators covering ranges of several hundred MHz can be built taking into account nanofabrication constraints., European Research Council, Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique, Depto. de Física de Materiales, Fac. de Ciencias Físicas, TRUE, pub

Low-energy random number generation is critical for many emerging computing schemes proposed to complement or replace von Neumann architectures. However, current random number generators are always associated with an energy cost that is prohibitive for these computing schemes. We introduce random number bit generation based on specific nanodevices: superparamagnetic tunnel junctions. We experimentally demonstrate high-quality random bit generation that represents an orders-of-magnitude improvement in energy efficiency over current solutions. We show that the random generation speed improves with nanodevice scaling, and we investigate the impact of temperature, magnetic field, and cross talk. Finally, we show how alternative computing schemes can be implemented using superparamagentic tunnel junctions as random number generators. These results open the way for fabricating efficient hardware computing devices leveraging stochasticity, and they highlight an alternative use for emerging nanodevices., European Research Council (ERC), BAMBI EU collaborative FET Project grant (FP7-ICT-C), Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR), French Ministere de l'ecologie, du developpement durable et de l'energie, Depto. de Física de Materiales, Fac. de Ciencias Físicas, TRUE, pub