Josephson-like magnetic tunnel junction -- transition from classical to quantum regime

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical framework for magnetic tunnel junctions that exhibit quantum spin dynamics similar to Josephson junctions, enabling the realization of spintronic qubits with potential integration into quantum computing architectures.

Contribution

It introduces a novel theoretical model linking classical spin dynamics in MTJs to quantum regimes, outlining how to implement various spintronic qubits and analyze their coherence properties.

Findings

Identification of parameters governing classical-quantum transition

Development of Hamiltonian formalism for spintronic qubits

Demonstration of spin current's role in qubit stabilization

Abstract

We theoretically propose and analyze a Josephson-like magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure that exhibits quantum spin dynamics analogous to those in superconducting Josephson junctions. By exploiting the isomorphism between the equations of motion for low-dissipation MTJs with easy-plane anisotropy and the Josephson phase dynamics, we construct a theoretical framework for realizing spintronic qubits. Within this framework, we identify the physical parameters -- such as anisotropy constants, Gilbert damping, spin current amplitude, and geometric factors -- that govern the transition from classical to quantum behavior. We show that different types of spintronic qubits, including analogs of charge, flux, and transmon superconducting qubits, can be implemented depending on the hierarchy of energy scales. A Hamiltonian formalism is developed for each regime, enabling an analytical treatment of the two-level quantum dynamics and estimation of coherence times. In particular, we demonstrate that the spin current can be used not only to excite but also to stabilize the qubit states through dissipation control. These findings provide a route toward integrating spintronic qubits into CMOS-compatible architectures and lay the groundwork for a fully spintronic platform for quantum computation.