Spin transfer switching of spin valve nanopillars using nanosecond pulsed currents

TL;DR

This paper investigates the spin transfer switching of spin valve nanopillars using nanosecond pulsed currents, analyzing how pulse amplitude and duration influence reversal probability and identifying a crossover point between different reversal mechanisms.

Contribution

It provides experimental data on the relationship between pulse parameters and switching probability, highlighting the crossover between thermal activation and dynamic reversal mechanisms.

Findings

Reciprocal pulse duration for 95% reversal probability is linearly related to pulse current amplitude.

Crossover current between reversal mechanisms is approximately 1.9 mA.

Reversal probability depends on pulse amplitude and duration in a predictable manner.

Abstract

Spin valve nanopillars are reversed via the mechanism of spin momentum transfer using current pulses applied perpendicular to the film plane of the device. The applied pulses were varied in amplitude from 1.8 mA to 7.8 mA, and varied in duration within the range of 100 ps to 200 ns. The probability of device reversal is measured as a function of the pulse duration for each pulse amplitude. The reciprocal pulse duration required for 95% reversal probability is linearly related to the pulse current amplitude for currents exceeding 1.9 mA. For this device, 1.9 mA marks the crossover between dynamic reversal at larger currents and reversal by thermal activation for smaller currents.