US Patent 9230623 Magnetic memory devices and methods of operating the same

Magnetic memory devices, and methods of operating the same, include a magnetoresistive element including a free layer, a pinned layer, and a separation layer between the free layer and the pinned layer. The devices, and methods, further include a first conductive line connected to the free layer and configured to apply a Rashba field to, or induce the Rashba field in, the free layer, and a second conductive line spaced apart from the free layer and configured to apply an external magnetic field to the free layer. A magnetization direction of the free layer is switchable by application of the Rashba field and the external magnetic field to the free layer.