Work

Controlling the Nonequilibrium Interlayer Exchange Coupling in Asymmetric Magnetic Tunnel Junctions

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: We predict an oscillatory bias behavior of the fieldlike spin torque, T(perpendicular), in magnetic tunnel junctions, which can be selectively controlled via the asymmetry in band filling between the ferromagnetic leads. This can lead to a linear or quadratic low-bias behavior, including tuning the bias-induced reversal of T(perpendicular). These findings reconcile the apparently contradictory experimental results recently reported in the literature. The underlying mechanism for the nonequilibrium interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) of noncollinear configurations is the interplay of four independent IEC for the majority- and minority-spin bands of the leads solely in the ferromagnetic configuration.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.103.057206

Authors: Y.-H. Tang, Nicholas Kioussis, Alan Kalitsov, W. H. Butler, Roberto Car

Institutions: California State University, Northridge, University of Alabama, Princeton University

Language: English

Topic: Magnetic properties of thin films

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2029688323

FWCI: 2.597

Cites: 16

Cited by: 46

Related to: 10