Magnetization Dynamics in Synthetic Antiferromagnets with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy

TL;DR

This study combines experimental TR-MOKE measurements with theoretical modeling to analyze magnetization dynamics in perpendicular synthetic antiferromagnets, revealing damping mechanisms and guiding spintronic device design.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of magnetization precession modes and damping sources in p-SAFs using combined experimental and theoretical approaches.

Findings

Excellent agreement between model predictions and measurements

Identification of damping contributions from Gilbert damping, spin pumping, and inhomogeneous broadening

Insights into magnetization precession characteristics under varying magnetic fields

Abstract

Understanding the rich physics of magnetization dynamics in perpendicular synthetic antiferromagnets (p-SAFs) is crucial for developing next-generation spintronic devices. In this work, we systematically investigate the magnetization dynamics in p-SAFs combining time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect (TR-MOKE) measurements with theoretical modeling. These model analyses, based on a Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert approach incorporating exchange coupling, provide details about the magnetization dynamic characteristics including the amplitudes, directions, and phases of the precession of p-SAFs under varying magnetic fields. These model-predicted characteristics are in excellent quantitative agreement with TR-MOKE measurements on an asymmetric p-SAF. We further reveal the damping mechanisms of two procession modes co-existing in the p-SAF and successfully identify individual contributions from different sources, including Gilbert damping of each ferromagnetic layer, spin pumping, and inhomogeneous broadening. Such a comprehensive understanding of magnetization dynamics in p-SAFs, obtained by integrating high-fidelity TR-MOKE measurements and theoretical modeling, can guide the design of p-SAF-based architectures for spintronic applications.