Theory of atomistic simulation of spin-transfer torque in nanomagnets

TL;DR

This paper develops a quantum-mechanical theory of spin-transfer torque in nanomagnets, enabling more accurate simulations of magnetization dynamics at the nanoscale, including heating and temperature effects.

Contribution

It introduces a quantum macrospin model incorporating magnon states for simulating spin-transfer torque in nanomagnets, advancing beyond classical approaches.

Findings

Captures heating effects due to spin-polarized current

Includes temperature dependence in magnetization dynamics

Analyzes magnon scattering for ferromagnetic relaxation

Abstract

In spin-transfer torque (STT) for technological applications, the miniaturization of the magnet may reach the stage of requiring a fully quantum-mechanical treatment. We present an STT theory which uses the quantum macrospin ground and excited (magnon) states of the nanomagnet. This allows for energy and angular momentum exchanges between the current electron and the nano-magnet. We develop a method of magnetization dynamics simulation which captures the heating effect on the magnet by the spin-polarized current and the temperature-dependence in STT. We also discuss the magnetostatics effect on magnon scattering for ferromagnetic relaxation in a thin film. Our work demonstrates a realistic step towards simulation of quantum spin-transfer torque physics in nano-scale magnets.