Spin momentum transfer in current perpendicular to the plane spin valves

TL;DR

This paper investigates how spin momentum transfer affects current perpendicular to the plane spin valves through experimental and numerical data, revealing current-induced switching and resistance changes that impact device stability.

Contribution

It provides new experimental and simulation insights into spin transfer effects in perpendicular spin valves, highlighting their influence on switching behavior and device stability.

Findings

Current-induced magnetization switching observed

Spin transfer causes resistance changes mimicking magnetic fields

Magnetic instability requires larger bias fields for stabilization

Abstract

We present experimental and numerical micromagnetic data on the effect of spin momentum transfer in current perpendicular to the plane spin valves. Starting from a configuration with orthogonal free and pinned layer magnetizations, the free layer magnetization exhibits abrupt current induced switching that is qualitatively consistent with the spin torque model. When operating the spin valve as a field sensor, spin transfer can produce a change in resistance that mimics an effective magnetic field and induce magnetic instability that requires a larger bias field in order to stabilize the device.