arXiv subjects

Yoshinobu Nakatani

Publications and source records attributed to Yoshinobu Nakatani.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Reduction of current for magnetization switching in a nanomagnet with perpendicular anisotropy by spin-splitter torque

Recently, spin-transfer torque (STT) based magnetization switching has been widely utilized in magnetic resistance-based memories, which have broad applications in microcontroller units and other devices. This study utilizes a macrospin model to simulate magnetization switching in nanoscale magnets with perpendicular anisotropy through spin-splitter torque (SST). The study primarily addresses minimizing the current for magnetization switching and identifying the conditions necessary for achieving high switching probabilities. Notably, the threshold current density for SST-induced magnetization switching is reduced by approximately 75-80% compared to conventional STT and spin-orbit torque mechanisms, provided the spin torque polar angle is optimized. For practical implementation in magnetic random-access memory (MRAM), a polar angle exceeding roughly 128 degrees must be maintained to ensure sufficient switching probability. Additionally, optimizing the shape of the applied current pulse significantly lowers the switching per rate by approximately 18 times. These findings underscore the effectiveness of SST in reducing magnetization switching currents and offer valuable insights into its potential application in SST-MRAM technology.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Machine learning-based determination of magnetic parameters from magnetic images with different imaging scales

The determination of material parameters is significantly important in material science, which is often a challenging task. Recently, advancements have shown that magnetic parameters, such as the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI), can be estimated from a magnetic domain image using machine learning (ML). This development suggests a potential shift in how magnetic parameters are determined, moving away from traditional measurement techniques to more innovative methods involving image-based inputs processed by ML. In previous studies, the test images used for estimation always matched the training images in size. However, since image size is contingent on the microscopy technique used, the ability to accurately estimate parameters from images of varying sizes is essential. Here, we investigated the feasibility of estimating the DMI constant and saturation magnetization from magnetic domain images of different sizes using ML. We successfully demonstrated that it is possible to estimate these parameters even when the imaging sizes differ between training and test datasets. Additionally, our comparison of the estimation accuracy for the DMI constant and saturation magnetization revealed that the tolerance for differences in image size varies depending on the specific parameter being estimated. These findings could have a significant impact on the future methods of determining magnetic parameters.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2021

Determination of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction using pattern recognition and machine learning

Machine learning is applied to a large number of modern devices that are essential in building energy efficient smart society. Audio and face recognition are among the most well-known technologies that make use of such artificial intelligence. In materials research, machine learning is adapted to predict materials with certain functionalities, an approach often referred to as materials informatics. Here we show that machine learning can be used to extract material parameters from a single image obtained in experiments. The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction and the magnetic anisotropy distribution of thin film heterostructures, parameters that are critical in developing next generation storage class magnetic memory technologies, are estimated from a magnetic domain image. Micromagnetic simulation is used to generate thousands of random images for training and model validation. A convolutional neural network system is employed as the learning tool. The DM exchange constant of typical Co-based thin film heterostructures is studied using the trained system: the estimated values are in good agreement with experiments. Moreover, we show that the system can independently determine the magnetic anisotropy distribution, demonstrating the potential of pattern recognition. This approach can considerably simplify experimental processes and broaden the scope of materials research.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2019

Current-induced modulation of interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction

The Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction is an antisymmetric exchange interaction that is responsible for the emergence of chiral magnetism. The origin of the DM interaction, however, remains to be identified albeit the large number of studies reported on related effects. It has been recently suggested that the DM interaction is equivalent to an equilibrium spin current density originating from spin-orbit coupling, an effect referred to as the spin Doppler effect. The model predicts that the DM interaction can be controlled by spin current injected externally. Here we show that the DM exchange constant ($D$) in W/CoFeB based heterostructures can be modulated with external current passed along the film plane. At higher current, $D$ decreases with increasing current, which we infer is partly due to the adiabatic spin transfer torque. At lower current, $D$ increases linearly with current regardless of the polarity of current flow. The rate of increase in $D$ with the current density agrees with that predicted by the model based on the spin Doppler effect. These results imply that the DM interaction at the HM/FM interface partly originates from an equilibrium interface spin (polarized) current which can be modulated externally.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

Domain wall resistance in CoFeB-based heterostructures with interface Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction

We have studied the domain wall resistance in W/Ta/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures. The Ta layer thickness is varied to control the type of domain walls via changes in the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii Moriya interaction. We find a nearly constant domain wall resistance against the Ta layer thickness. Adding contributions from the anisotropic magnetoresistance, spin Hall magnetoresistance and anomalous Hall effect describe well the domain wall resistance of the thick Ta layer films. However, a discrepancy remains for the thin Ta layer films wherein chiral Néel-like domain walls are found. These results show the difficulty of studying the domain wall type from resistance measurements.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Magnetization switching by current and microwaves

We propose a theoretical model of magnetization switching in a ferromagnetic multilayer by both electric current and microwaves. The electric current gives a spin transfer torque on the magnetization, while the microwaves induce a precession of the magnetization around the initial state. Based on numerical simulation of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation, it is found that the switching current is significantly reduced compared with the switching caused solely by the spin transfer torque when the microwave frequency is in a certain range. We develop a theory of switching from the LLG equation averaged over a constant energy curve. It was found that the switching current should be classified into four regions, depending on the values of the microwave frequency. Based on the analysis, we derive an analytical formula of the optimized frequency minimizing the switching current, which is smaller than the ferromagnetic resonance frequency. We also derive an analytical formula of the minimized switching current. Both the optimized frequency and the minimized switching current decrease with increasing the amplitude of the microwave field. The results will be useful to achieve high thermal stability and low switching current in spin torque systems simultaneously.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2015

Soliton-like magnetic domain wall motion induced by the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction

Topological defects such as magnetic solitons, vortices, Bloch lines, and skyrmions have started to play an important role in modern magnetism because of their extraordinary stability, which can be exploited in the production of memory devices. Recently, a novel type of antisymmetric exchange interaction, namely the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI), has been uncovered and found to influence the formation of topological defects. Exploring how the DMI affects the dynamics of topological defects is therefore an important task. Here we investigate the dynamic domain wall (DW) under a strong DMI and find that the DMI induces an annihilation of topological vertical Bloch lines (VBLs) by lifting the four-fold degeneracy of the VBL. As a result, velocity reduction originating from the Walker breakdown is completely suppressed, leading to a soliton-like constant velocity of the DW. Furthermore, the strength of the DMI, which is the key factor for soliton-like DW motion, can be quantified without any side effects possibly arising from current-induced torques or extrinsic pinnings in magnetic films. Our results therefore shed light on the physics of dynamic topological defects, which paves the way for future work in topology-based memory applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2013

Switching of the Magnetic Vortex Core in a Pac-man Disk using a Single Field-Pulse

We report on the switching of the magnetic vortex core in a Pac-man disk using a magnetic field pulse, investigated via micromagnetic simulations. The minimum core switching field is reduced by 72 % compared to that of a circular disk with the same diameter and thickness. However, the core switches irregularly with respect to both the field pulse amplitude and duration. This irregularity is induced by magnetization oscillations which arise due to excitation of the spin waves when the core annihilates. We show that the core switching can be controlled with the assist magnetic field and by changing the waveform.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2011

Electric spectroscopy of vortex states and dynamics in magnetic disks

Spin-polarized radio frequency (RF) currents and RF-Oersted fields resonantly excite a magnetic vortex core confined in a micron-scale soft magnetic disk. In this study, we measured the rectifying voltage spectra caused by the anisotropic magnetoresistance oscillation due to the gyration of the vortex with different polarity and chirality. The measured spectra are presented such that we can determine the vortex properties and strength of the spin torques and Oersted field accurately and directly through analytical calculation.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2008

Electrical rectification effect in single domain magnetic microstrips: a micromagnetics-based analysis

Upon passing an a.c. electrical current along magnetic micro- or nanostrips, the measurement of a d.c. voltage that depends sensitively on current frequency and applied field has been recently reported by A. Yamaguchi and coworkers. It was attributed to the excitation of spin waves by the spin transfer torque, leading to a time-varying anisotropic magnetoresistance and, by mixing of a.c. current and resistance, to a d.c. voltage. We have performed a quantitative analysis by micromagnetics, including the spin transfer torque terms considered usually, of this situation. The signals found from the spin transfer torque effect are several orders of magnitude below the experimental values, even if a static inhomogeneity of magnetization (the so-called ripple) is taken into account. On the other hand, the presence of a small non-zero average Oersted field is shown to be consistent with the full set of experimental results, both qualitatively and quantitatively. We examine, quantitatively, several sources for this average field and point to the contacts to the sample as a likely origin.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2008

Control of Domain Wall Position by Electrical Current in Structured Co/Ni Wire with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy

We report the direct observation of the current-driven domain wall (DW) motion by magnetic force microscopy in a structured Co/Ni wire with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The wire has notches to define the DW position. It is demonstrated that single current pulses can precisely control the DW position from notch to notch with high DW velocity of 40 m/s.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2008

Dynamical pinning of domain wall in magnetic nanowire induced by Walker breakdown

Transmission probability of a domain wall through a magnetic nanowire is investigated as a function of the external magnetic field. Very intriguing phenomenon is found that the transmission probability shows a significant drop after exceeding the threshold driving field, which contradicts our intuition that a domain wall is more mobile in the higher magnetic field. The micromagnetics simulation reveals that the domain wall motion in the wire with finite roughness causes the dynamical pinning due to the Walker breakdown, which semi-quantitatively explains our experimental results.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2008

Switching magnetic vortex core by a single nanosecond current pulse

In a ferromagnetic nanodisk, the magnetization tends to swirl around in the plane of the disk and can point either up or down at the center of this magnetic vortex. This binary state can be useful for information storage. It is demonstrated that a single nanosecond current pulse can switch the core polarity. This method also provides the precise control of the core direction, which constitutes fundamental technology for realizing a vortex core memory.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2008

Probing the spin polarization of current by soft X-ray imaging of current-induced magnetic vortex dynamics

Time-resolved soft X-ray transmission microscopy is applied to image the current-induced resonant dynamics of the magnetic vortex core realized in a micronsized Permalloy disk. The high spatial resolution better than 25 nm enables us to observe the resonant motion of the vortex core. The result also provides the spin polarization of the current to be 0.67 +/-0.16 for Permalloy by fitting the experimental results with an analytical model in the framework of the spin-transfer torque.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2007

Electrical switching of vortex core in a magnetic disk

A magnetic vortex is a curling magnetic structure realized in a ferromagnetic disk, which is a promising candidate of a memory cell for future nonvolatile data storage devices. Thus, understanding of the stability and dynamical behaviour of the magnetic vortex is a major requirement for developing magnetic data storage technology. Since the experimental proof of the existence of a nanometre-scale core with out-of-plane magnetisation in the magnetic vortex, the dynamics of a vortex has been investigated intensively. However, the way to electrically control the core magnetisation, which is a key for constructing a vortex core memory, has been lacking. Here, we demonstrate the electrical switching of the core magnetisation by utilizing the current-driven resonant dynamics of the vortex; the core switching is triggered by a strong dynamic field which is produced locally by a rotational core motion at a high speed of several hundred m/s. Efficient switching of the vortex core without magnetic field application is achieved thanks to resonance. This opens up the potentiality of a simple magnetic disk as a building block for spintronic devices like a memory cell where the bit data is stored as the direction of the nanometre-scale core magnetisation.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2006

Threshold Current of Domain Wall Motion under Extrinsic Pinning, $β$-Term and Non-Adiabaticity

Threshold current of domain wall motion under spin-polarized electric current in ferromagnets is theoretically studied based on the equation of motion of a wall in terms of collective coordinates. Effects of non-adiabaticity and a so-called $β$-term in Landau-Lifshitz equation, which are described by the same term in the equation of motion of a wall, are taken into account as well as extrinsic pinning. It is demonstrated that there are four different regimes characterized by different dependence of threshold on extrinsic pinning, hard-axis magnetic anisotropy, non-adiabaticity and $β$.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2006

Current-driven resonant excitation of magnetic vortex

A magnetic vortex core in a ferromagnetic circular nanodot has a resonance frequency originating from the confinement of the vortex core. By the micromagnetic simulation including the spin-transfer torque, we show that the vortex core can be resonantly excited by an AC (spin-polarized) current through the dot and that the resonance frequency can be tuned by the dot shape. The resistance measurement under the AC current successfully detects the resonance at the frequency consistent with the simulation.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2005

Current-induced Vortex Motion by Spin-Transfer Torque

We investigate the dynamics of a magnetic vortex driven by spin-transfer torque due to spin current in the adiabatic case. The vortex core represented by collective coordinate experiences a transverse force proportional to the product of spin current and gyrovector, which can be interpreted as the geometric force determined by topological charges. We show that this force is just a reaction force of Lorentz-type force from the spin current of conduction electrons. Based on our analyses, we propose analytically and numerically a possible experiment to check the vortex displacement by spin current in the case of single magnetic nanodot.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗