arXiv subjects

Johan Åkerman

Publications and source records attributed to Johan Åkerman.

89 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2015

Comprehensive and Macrospin-Based Magnetic Tunnel Junction Spin Torque Oscillator Model - Part I: Analytical Model of the MTJ STO

Magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) spin torque oscillators (STO) have shown the potential to be used in a wide range of microwave and sensing applications. To evaluate potential uses of MTJ STO technology in various applications, an analytical model that can capture MTJ STO's characteristics, while enabling system- and circuit-level designs, is of great importance. An analytical model based on macrospin approximation is necessary for these designs since it allows implementation in hardware description languages. This paper presents a new macrospin-based, comprehensive and compact MTJ STO model, which can be used for various MTJ STOs to estimate the performance of MTJ STOs together with their application-specific integrated circuits. To adequately present the complete model, this paper is divided into two parts. In Part I, the analytical model is introduced and verified by comparing it against measured data of three different MTJ STOs, varying the angle and magnitude of the magnetic field, as well as the DC biasing current. The proposed analytical model is suitable for being implemented in Verilog-A and used for efficient simulations at device-, circuit- and system-levels. In Part II, the full Verilog-A implementation of the analytical model with accurate phase noise generation is presented and verified by simulations.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Comprehensive and Macrospin-Based Magnetic Tunnel Junction Spin Torque Oscillator Model - Part II: Verilog-A Model Implementation

The rapid development of the magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) spin torque oscillator (STO) technology demands an analytical model to enable building MTJ STO-based circuits and systems so as to evaluate and utilize MTJ STOs in various applications. In Part I of this paper, an analytical model based on the macrospin approximation, has been introduced and verified by comparing it with the measurements of three different MTJ STOs. In Part II, the full Verilog-A implementation of the proposed model is presented. To achieve a reliable model, an approach to reproduce the phase noise generated by the MTJ STO has been proposed and successfully employed. The implemented model yields a time domain signal, which retains the characteristics of operating frequency, linewidth, oscillation amplitude and DC operating point, with respect to the magnetic field and applied DC current. The Verilog-A implementation is verified against the analytical model, providing equivalent device characteristics for the full range of biasing conditions. Furthermore, a system that includes an MTJ STO and CMOS RF circuits is simulated to validate the proposed model for system- and circuit-level designs. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model opens the possibility to explore STO technology in a wide range of applications.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

Magnetoplasmonic design rules for active magneto-optics

Light polarization rotators and non-reciprocal optical isolators are essential building blocks in photonics technology. These macroscopic passive devices are commonly based on magneto-optical Faraday and Kerr polarization rotation. Magnetoplasmonics - the combination of magnetism and plasmonics - is a promising route to bring these devices to the nanoscale. We introduce design rules for highly tunable active magnetoplasmonic elements in which we can tailor the amplitude and sign of the Kerr response over a broad spectral range.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2014

The 2014 Magnetism Roadmap

Magnetism is a very fascinating and dynamic field. Especially in the last 30 years it has experienced many major advances in the full range from novel fundamental phenomena to new products. Applications such as hard disk drives and magnetic sensors are part of our daily life, and new applications, such as in non-volatile computer random access memory, are expected to surface shortly. Thus it is timely for describing the current status, and current and future challenges in the form of a Roadmap article. This 2014 Magnetism Roadmap provides a view on several selected, currently very active innovative developments. It consists of 12 sections, each written by an expert in the field and addressing a specific subject, with strong emphasize on future potential. This Roadmap cannot cover the entire field. We have selected several highly relevant areas without attempting to provide a full review - a future update will have room for more topics. The scope covers mostly nano-magnetic phenomena and applications, where surfaces and interfaces provide additional functionality. New developments in fundamental topics such as interacting nano-elements, novel magnon-based spintronics concepts, spin-orbit torques and spin-caloric phenomena are addressed. New materials, such as organic magnetic materials and permanent magnets are covered. New applications are presented such as nano-magnetic logic, non-local and domain-wall based devices, heat-assisted magnetic recording, magnetic random access memory, and applications in biotechnology. May the Roadmap serve as a guideline for future emerging research directions in modern magnetism.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

Accessing Different Spin-Disordered States using First Order Reversal Curves

Combined first order reversal curve (FORC) analyses of the magnetization (M-FORC) and magnetoresistance (MR-FORC) have been employed to provide a comprehensive study of the M-MR correlation in two canonical systems: a NiFe/Cu/FePt pseudo spin-valve (PSV) and a [Co/Cu]8 multilayer. In the PSV, due to the large difference in switching fields and minimal interactions between the NiFe and FePt layers, the M and MR show a simple one-to-one relationship during reversal. In the [Co/Cu]8 multilayer, the correlation between the magnetization reversal and MR evolution is more complex. This is primarily due to the similar switching fields of, and interactions between, the constituent Co layers. The FORC protocol accesses states with much higher spin disorders and larger MR than those found along the conventional major loop field-cycle. Unlike the M-FORC measurements, which only probe changes in the macroscopic magnetization, the MR-FORCs are more sensitive to the microscopic domain configurations, as those are most important in determining the resultant MR effect size. This approach is generally applicable to spintronic systems to realize the maximum spin-disorder and the largest MR.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2013

Generation linewidth of mode-hopping spin torque oscillators

Experiments on spin torque oscillators commonly observe multi-mode signals. Recent theoretical works have ascribed the multi-mode signal generation to coupling between energy-separated spin wave modes. Here, we analyze in detail the dynamics generated by such mode coupling. We show analytically that the mode-hopping dynamics broaden the generation linewidth and makes it generally well described by a Voigt lineshape. Furthermore, we show that the mode-hopping contribution to the linewidth can dominate in which case it provides a direct measure of the mode-hopping rate. Due to the thermal drive of mode-hopping events, the mode-hopping rate also provides information on the energy barrier separating modes and temperature-dependent linewidth broadening. Our results are in good agreement with experiments, revealing the physical mechanism behind the linewidth broadening in multi-mode spin torque oscillators.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2013

Confined dissipative droplet solitons in spin-valve nanowires with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Magnetic dissipative droplets are localized, strongly nonlinear dynamical modes excited in nano-contact spin valves with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. These modes find potential application in nanoscale structures for magnetic storage and computation, but dissipative droplet studies have so far been limited to extended thin films. Here, numerical and asymptotic analyses are used to demonstrate the existence and properties of novel solitons in confined structures. As a nanowire's width is decreased with a nano-contact of fixed size at its center, the observed modes undergo transitions from a fully localized two-dimensional droplet into a two-dimensional droplet edge mode and then a pulsating one-dimensional droplet. These solitons are interpreted as dissipative versions of classical, conservative solitons, allowing for an analytical description of the modes and the mechanisms of bifurcation. The presented results open up new possibilities for the study of low-dimensional solitons and droplet applications in nanostructures.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2013

Spin wave mode coexistence on the nano-scale: A consequence of the Oersted field induced asymmetric energy landscape

It has been argued that if multiple spin wave modes are competing for the same centrally located energy source, as in a nanocontact spin torque oscillator, that only one mode should survive in the steady state. Here, the experimental conditions necessary for mode coexistence are explored. Mode coexistence is facilitated by the local field asymmetries induced by the spatially inhomogeneous Oersted field, which leads to a physical separation of the modes, and is further promoted by spin wave localization at reduced applied field angles. Finally, both simulation and experiment reveal a low frequency signal consistent with the intermodulation of two coexistent modes.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2012

Temperature dependence of linewidth in nano-contact based spin torque oscillators: effect of multiple oscillatory modes

We discuss the effect of mode transitions on the current (I) and temperature (T) dependent linewidth (Δf) in nanocontact based spin torque oscillators (STOs). At constant I, Δf exhibits an anomalous temperature dependence near the mode transitions; Δf may either increase or decrease with T depending on the position w.r.t. the mode transition. We show that the behavior of Δf as a function of I can be fitted by the single mode analytical theory of STOs, even though there are two modes present near the mode transition, if the nonlinear amplification is determined directly from the experiment. Using a recently developed theory of two coupled modes, we show that the linewidth near mode transition can be described by an "effective" single-oscillator theory with an enhanced nonlinear amplification that carries additional temperature dependence, which thus qualitatively explain the experimental results.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2012

Power and linewidth of propagating and localized modes in nanocontact spin-torque oscillators

Integrated power and linewidth of a propagating and a self-localized spin wave modes excited by spin-polarized current in an obliquely magnetized magnetic nanocontact are studied experimentally as functions of the angle $θ_e$ between the external bias magnetic field and the nanocontact plane. It is found that the power of the propagating mode monotonically increases with $θ_e$, while the power of the self-localized mode has a broad maximum near $θ_e = 40$ deg, and exponentially vanishes near the critical angle $θ_e = 58$ deg, at which the localized mode disappears. The linewidth of the propagating mode in the interval of angles $58<θ_e<90$ deg, where only this mode is excited, is adequtely described by the existing theory, while in the angular interval where both modes can exist the observed linewidth of both modes is substantially broadened due to the telegraph switching between the modes. Numetical simulations and an approximate analytical model give good semi-quantitative description of the observed results.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2012

Analytical investigation of modulated spin torque oscillators in the framework of coupled differential equations with variable coefficients

Modulation of Spin Torque Oscillators (STOs) is investigated by analytically solving the time-dependent coupled equations of an auto-oscillator. A Fourier series solution is proposed, leading to the coefficients being determined with a linear set of equations, from which a Nonlinear Amplitude and Frequency Modulation (NFAM) scheme is obtained. In this framework, the NFAM features are related to the intrinsic STO parameters, revealing a frequency-dependence of the harmonic-dependent modulation index that allows a modulation bandwidth to be defined for these devices. The presented results expose a rich parameter space, where the modulation and the STO's operation conditions define the observed modulation features. The Fourier-series representation of the time signal is suitable for studying periodic perturbations on the auto-oscillator equation.

math-ph↗

arXiv2011

Bias dependence of perpendicular spin torque and of free and fixed layer eigenmodes in MgO-based nanopillars

We have measured the bias voltage and field dependence of eigenmode frequencies in a magnetic tunnel junction with MgO barrier. We show that both free layer (FL) and reference layer (RL) modes are excited, and that a cross-over between these modes is observed by varying external field and bias voltage. The bias voltage dependence of the FL and RL modes are shown to be dramatically different. The bias dependence of the FL modes is linear in bias voltage, whereas that of the RL mode is strongly quadratic. Using modeling and micromagnetic simulations, we show that the linear bias dependence of FL frequencies is primarily due to a linear dependence of the perpendicular spin torque on bias voltage, whereas the quadratic dependence of the RL on bias voltage is dominated by the reduction of exchange bias due to Joule heating, and is not attributable to a quadratic dependence of the perpendicular spin torque on bias voltage.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2011

Frequency modulation of spin torque oscillator pairs

The current controlled modulation of nano-contact based spin torque oscillator (STO) pairs is studied in both the synchronized and non-synchronized states. The synchronized state shows a well behaved modulation and demonstrates robust mutual locking even under strong modulation. The power distribution of the modulation sidebands can be quantitatively described by assuming a single oscillator model. However, in the non-synchronized state, the modulation sidebands are not well described by the model, indicating interactions between the two individual nano-contact STOs. These findings are promising for potential applications requiring the modulation of large synchronized STO arrays.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2011

Spin-torque oscillator linewidth narrowing under current modulation

We study the behavior of the linewidth of a nano-contact based spin torque oscillator (STO) under application of a radio frequency (100 MHz) modulating current. We achieve a significant (up to 85%) reduction of the STO linewidth when it is modulated across a region of high nonlinearity. The mechanism responsible for the linewidth reduction is the nonlinear frequency shift under the influence of current modulation, which reduces the nonlinear amplification of the linewidth. The reduction of the linewidth during modulation can be quantitatively calculated from the free-running behavior of the STO.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2010

Experimental evidence of self-localized and propagating spin wave modes in obliquely magnetized current-driven nanocontacts

Through detailed experimental studies of the angular dependence of spin wave excitations in nanocontact-based spin-torque oscillators, we demonstrate that two distinct spin wave modes can be excited, with different frequency, threshold currents and frequency tuneability. Using analytical theory and micromagnetic simulations we identify one mode as an exchange-dominated propagating spin wave, and the other as a self-localized nonlinear spin wave bullet. Wavelet-based analysis of the simulations indicates that the apparent simultaneous excitation of both modes results from rapid mode hopping induced by the Oersted field.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2010

Non-linear frequency and amplitude modulation of a nano-contact spin torque oscillator

We study the current controlled modulation of a nano-contact spin torque oscillator. Three principally different cases of frequency non-linearity ($d^{2}f/dI^{2}_{dc}$ being zero, positive, and negative) are investigated. Standard non-linear frequency modulation theory is able to accurately describe the frequency shifts during modulation. However, the power of the modulated sidebands only agrees with calculations based on a recent theory of combined non-linear frequency and amplitude modulation.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2009

Pseudo Spin Valves Using a (112)-textured DO_22 MnGa Fixed Layer

We demonstrate pseudo spin valves with a (112)-textured DO_22 MnGa (MnGa) tilted magnetization fixed layer and an in-plane CoFe free layer. Single D0_22 MnGa films exhibit a small magnetoresistance (MR) typically observed in metals. In MnGa/Cu/ CoFe spin valves a transition from a negative (-0.08%) to positive (3.88%) MR is realized by introducing a thin spin polarizing CoFe insertion layer at the MnGa/Cu interface and tailoring the MnGa thickness. Finally, the exchange coupling between the MnGa and CoFe insertion layer is studied using a first-order reversal curve (FORC) technique.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗