Cooperative STT and SOT switching in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions: Role of the pulse-end magnetization state

Abstract

Spin--orbit torque MRAM (SOT-MRAM) is a leading candidate for next-generation nonvolatile memory, offering high speed, endurance, and architectural compatibility. However, in conventional SOT switching, the magnetization remains near the in-plane region at pulse termination, making the final state highly sensitive to post-pulse relaxation dynamics and prone to back-switching. To overcome this, we propose a field-free scheme in which the transverse SOT drives large-angle precessional excitation while the perpendicular spin-transfer torque (STT) biases the trajectory toward the reversed $-z$ state. Micromagnetic simulations reveal a nonlinear switching boundary in the $J_{\mathrm{STT}}$--$J_{\mathrm{SOT}}$ parameter space, originating from the distinct dynamical roles of the two torques: SOT primarily governs the excitation and crossing of the dynamical separatrix, whereas STT controls the terminal trajectory and final-state selection. An analytical macrospin model, based on the stability analysis of the current-induced equilibrium, reproduces the critical-boundary trends as functions of current density, Gilbert damping $α$, and uniaxial anisotropy $K_\mathrm{u}$, and distinguishes dynamic anti-damping and static instability branches. Systematic analyses of pulse duration, damping, anisotropy, and the STT--SOT balance further demonstrate that reliable ultrafast switching requires not only sufficient excitation to cross the separatrix before pulse termination, but also precise control of the pulse-end magnetization state to minimize post-pulse relaxation. These results establish that the pulse-end state, rather than the instantaneous torque amplitude, is the decisive factor governing switching speed and reliability in coupled STT--SOT systems.