Lateral spin transfer torque induced magnetic switching at room temperature demonstrated by x-ray microscopy

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • M. Buhl - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • A. Erbe - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • J. Grebing - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • S. Wintz - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • J. Raabe - , Paul Scherrer Institute (Author)
  • J. Fassbender - , Chair of Applied Solid State Physics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)

Abstract

Changing and detecting the orientation of nanomagnetic structures, which can be used for durable information storage, needs to be developed towards true nanoscale dimensions for keeping up the miniaturization speed of modern nanoelectronic components. Therefore, new concepts for controlling the state of nanomagnets are currently in the focus of research in the field of nanoelectronics. Here, we demonstrate reproducible switching of a purely metallic nanopillar placed on a lead that conducts a spin-polarized current at room temperature. Spin diffusion across the metal-metal (Cu to CoFe) interface between the pillar and the lead causes spin accumulation in the pillar, which may then be used to set the magnetic orientation of the pillar. In our experiments, the detection of the magnetic state of the nanopillar is performed by direct imaging via scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM).

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number2945
JournalScientific reports
Volume3
Publication statusPublished - 15 Oct 2013
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas