Spin Transfer Torques

TL;DR

This tutorial introduces the fundamental physics of spin transfer torques in magnetic devices, covering mechanisms, theoretical models, and experimental progress, aimed at graduate students and serving as an introductory overview.

Contribution

It provides an accessible, comprehensive introduction to spin transfer torques, setting the stage for more detailed subsequent research articles in the field.

Findings

Reviewed theoretical models of spin transfer torque

Summarized experimental progress in the field

Identified open questions for future research

Abstract

This tutorial article introduces the physics of spin transfer torques in magnetic devices. We provide an elementary discussion of the mechanism of spin transfer torque, and review the theoretical and experimental progress in this field. Our intention is to be accessible to beginning graduate students. This is the introductory paper for a cluster of "Current Perspectives" articles on spin transfer torques published in volume 320 of the Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials. This article is meant to set the stage for the others which follow it in this cluster; they focus in more depth on particularly interesting aspects of spin-torque physics and highlight unanswered questions that might be productive topics for future research.