Magnetization switching by magnon-mediated spin torque through an antiferromagnetic insulator

Science ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 366 (6469) ◽  
pp. 1125-1128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Wang ◽  
Dapeng Zhu ◽  
Yumeng Yang ◽  
Kyusup Lee ◽  
Rahul Mishra ◽  
...  

Widespread applications of magnetic devices require an efficient means to manipulate the local magnetization. One mechanism is the electrical spin-transfer torque associated with electron-mediated spin currents; however, this suffers from substantial energy dissipation caused by Joule heating. We experimentally demonstrated an alternative approach based on magnon currents and achieved magnon-torque–induced magnetization switching in Bi2Se3/antiferromagnetic insulator NiO/ferromagnet devices at room temperature. The magnon currents carry spin angular momentum efficiently without involving moving electrons through a 25-nanometer-thick NiO layer. The magnon torque is sufficient to control the magnetization, which is comparable with previously observed electrical spin torque ratios. This research, which is relevant to the energy-efficient control of spintronic devices, will invigorate magnon-based memory and logic devices.

SPIN ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (02) ◽  
pp. 2050012
Author(s):  
H. Bhoomeeswaran ◽  
P. Sabareesan

The current-driven magnetization precession dynamics stimulated by Spin-Transfer Torque (STT) in a trilayer spin-valve device (typically Spin-Torque Nanooscillator (STNO)) is numerically investigated by solving the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert–Slonczewski (LLGS) equation. We have devised four STNO devices made of ferromagnetic alloys such as CoPt, CoFeB, Fe[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text]Ni2 and EuO, which act as free and fixed layers. Here, copper acts as a nonmagnetic spacer for all the devices. In this work, we have introduced the current-induced Oersted field, which is generated when a spin-polarized current passes through the device. The generated Oersted field strength is varied by increasing the diameter of the STNO device. Frequency tunability is achieved in all the four devices, whereas the power of the individual device reduces. The frequency and power of the devices depend entirely on the saturation magnetization of the material, which inherently reflects in the current density and the coherence of the spin-polarized DC. In all devices, the frequency increases, whereas the power decreases by increasing the strength of the Oersted field. Among the four devices, the maximum frequency can be tuned up to 104[Formula: see text]GHz with 40[Formula: see text]nm device diameter, which is obtained for EuO material. This opens a promising source and paves a glittering future for the nanoscale spintronic devices.


Author(s):  
D. C. Ralph ◽  
Y.-T. Cui ◽  
L. Q. Liu ◽  
T. Moriyama ◽  
C. Wang ◽  
...  

We discuss recent highlights from research at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, regarding the use of spin-transfer torques to control magnetic moments in nanoscale ferromagnetic devices. We highlight progress on reducing the critical currents necessary to produce spin-torque-driven magnetic switching, quantitative measurements of the magnitude and direction of the spin torque in magnetic tunnel junctions, and single-shot measurements of the magnetic dynamics generated during thermally assisted spin-torque switching.


SPIN ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 07 (03) ◽  
pp. 1740014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cormac Ó Coileáin ◽  
Han Chun Wu

From historical obscurity, antiferromagnets are recently enjoying revived interest, as antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials may allow the continued reduction in size of spintronic devices. They have the benefit of being insensitive to parasitic external magnetic fields, while displaying high read/write speeds, and thus poised to become an integral part of the next generation of logical devices and memory. They are currently employed to preserve the magnetoresistive qualities of some ferromagnetic based giant or tunnel magnetoresistance systems. However, the question remains how the magnetic states of an antiferromagnet can be efficiently manipulated and detected. Here, we reflect on AFM materials for their use in spintronics, in particular, newly recognized antiferromagnet Mn2Au with its in-plane anisotropy and tetragonal structure and high Néel temperature. These attributes make it one of the most promising candidates for AFM spintronics thus far with the possibility of architectures freed from the need for ferromagnetic (FM) elements. Here, we discuss its potential for use in ferromagnet-free spintronic devices.


Author(s):  
Pietro Gambardella ◽  
Ioan Mihai Miron

The ability to reverse the magnetization of nanomagnets by current injection has attracted increased attention ever since the spin-transfer torque mechanism was predicted in 1996. In this paper, we review the basic theoretical and experimental arguments supporting a novel current-induced spin torque mechanism taking place in ferromagnetic (FM) materials. This effect, hereafter named spin–orbit (SO) torque, is produced by the flow of an electric current in a crystalline structure lacking inversion symmetry, which transfers orbital angular momentum from the lattice to the spin system owing to the combined action of SO and exchange coupling. SO torques are found to be prominent in both FM metal and semiconducting systems, allowing for great flexibility in adjusting their orientation and magnitude by proper material engineering. Further directions of research in this field are briefly outlined.


2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-238
Author(s):  
Thomas Windbacher ◽  
Hiwa Mahmoudi ◽  
Alexander Makarov ◽  
Viktor Sverdlov ◽  
Siegfried Selberherr

We summarize our recent work on a non-volatile logic building block required for energy-efficient information processing systems. A sequential logic device, in particular, an alternative non-volatile magnetic flip-flop has been introduced. Its properties are investigated and its extension to a very dense shift register is demonstrated. We show that the flip-flop structure inherently exhibits oscillations and discuss its spin torque nano-oscillator properties.


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