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arXiv · 1405.0452

Spin-orbit torque-driven magnetization switching and thermal effects studied in Ta\CoFeB\MgO nanowires

R. Lo Conte·A. Hrabec·A. P. Mihai·T. Schulz·S. -J. Noh·C. H. Marrows·T. A. Moore·M. Kläui
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Abstract

We demonstrate magnetization switching in out-of-plane magnetized Ta\CoFeB\MgO nanowires by current pulse injection along the nanowires, both with and without a constant and uniform magnetic field collinear to the current direction. We deduce that an effective torque arising from spin-orbit effects in the multilayer drives the switching mechanism. While the generation of a component of the magnetization along the current direction is crucial for the switching to occur, we observe that even without a longitudinal field thermally generated magnetization fluctuations can lead to switching. Analysis using a generalized Néel-Brown model enables key parameters of the thermally induced spin-orbit torques switching process to be estimated, such as the attempt frequency and the effective energy barrier.

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R. Lo Conte, A. Hrabec, A. P. Mihai, T. Schulz, S. -J. Noh, C. H. Marrows, T. A. Moore, M. Kläui. 2014-05-02. Spin-orbit torque-driven magnetization switching and thermal effects studied in Ta\CoFeB\MgO nanowires. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4896225

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