Spin transfer and current-induced switching in antiferromagnets

TL;DR

This paper provides a theoretical analysis of how spin-polarized currents and magnetic fields can induce switching and precession in antiferromagnets, highlighting differences from ferromagnetic dynamics.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework for understanding current-induced switching and precession in antiferromagnets, including stability ranges and optimal switching conditions.

Findings

Steady current-induced precession frequency depends linearly on bias current.

Identified optimal current pulse duration for switching.

Compared dynamics of antiferromagnets with ferromagnets under spin transfer torques.

Abstract

We present theoretical description of the precessional switching processes induced by simultaneous application of spin-polarized current and external magnetic field to antiferromagnetic component of the "pinned" layer. We found stability ranges of different static and dynamic regimes. We showed the possibility of steady current-induced precession of antiferromagnetic vector with frequency that linearly depends on the bias current. Furthermore, we found an optimal duration of current pulse required for switching between different orientations of antiferromagnetic vector and current and field dependence of switching time. Our results reveal the difference between dynamics of ferro- and antiferromagnets subjected to spin transfer torques.