Synthetic Antiferromagnetic Spintronics: Part of a collection of reviews on antiferromagnetic spintronics

TL;DR

This review explores synthetic antiferromagnetic spintronics, highlighting new opportunities and functionalities arising from layered ferromagnetic structures with antiparallel magnetizations, distinct from natural antiferromagnets.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of synthetic antiferromagnets, emphasizing their unique advantages and potential applications in spintronic devices.

Findings

Synthetic antiferromagnets enable novel spintronic functionalities.

Layered structures offer tunable magnetic properties.

Potential for improved device performance and new functionalities.

Abstract

Spintronic and nanomagnetic devices often derive their functionality from layers of different materials and the interfaces between them. This is especially true for synthetic antiferromagnets - two or more ferromagnetic layers that are separated by metallic spacers or tunnel barriers and which have antiparallel magnetizations. Here, we discuss the new opportunities that arise from synthetic antiferromagnets, as compared to crystal antiferromagnets or ferromagnets.