Spin-transfer torque and current induced spin dynamics in spin-valve nanopillars with the free magnetic layer located between two magnetic films of fixed magnetic moments is considered theoretically. The spin-transfer torque in the limit of diffusive spin transport is calculated as a function of magnetic configuration. It is shown that non-collinear magnetic configuration of the outermost magnetic layers has a strong influence on the spin torque and spin dynamics of the central free layer. Employing macrospin simulations we make some predictions on the free layer spin dynamics in spin valves composed of various magnetic layers. We also present a formula for critical current in non-collinear magnetic configurations, which shows that the magnitude of critical current can be several times smaller than that in typical single spin valves.
Spin transfer torque in spin valves usually destabilizes one of the collinear configurations (either parallel or antiparallel) and stabilizes the second one. Apart from this, balance of the spin-transfer and damping torques can lead to steady precessional modes. In this letter we show that in some asymmetric nanopillars spin current can destabilize both parallel and antiparallel configurations. As a result, stationary precessional modes can occur at zero magnetic field. The corresponding phase diagram as well as frequencies of the precessional modes have been calculated in the framework of macrospin model. The relevant spin transfer torque has been calculated in terms of the macroscopic model based on spin diffusion equations.
Recent experimental measurements of magnetoresistance in dual spin valves [A. Aziz et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 237203 (2009)] reveal some nonlinear features of transport, which have not been observed in other systems. We propose a phenomenological model describing current-dependent resistance (and giant magnetoresistance) in double spin valves. The model is based on a modified Valet-Fert approach, and takes into account the dependence of bulk/interface resistance and bulk/interface spin asymmetry parameters for the central magnetic layer on spin accumulation, and consequently on charge current. Such a nonlinear model accounts for recent experimental observations.
Magnetization switching due to a current-pulse in symmetric and asymmetric spin valves is studied theoretically within the macrospin model. The switching process and the corresponding switching parameters are shown to depend significantly on the pulse duration and also on the interplay of the torques due to spin transfer and external magnetic field. This interplay leads to peculiar features in the corresponding phase diagram. These features in standard spin valves, where the spin transfer torque stabilizes one of the magnetic configurations (either parallel or antiparallel) and destabilizes the opposite one, differ from those in nonstandard (asymmetric) spin valves, where both collinear configurations are stable for one current orientation and unstable for the opposite one. Following this we propose a scheme of ultrafast current-induced switching in nonstandard spin valves, based on a sequence of two current pulses.
The charge and spin diffusion equations taking into account spin-flip and spin-transfer torque were numerically solved using a finite element method in complex non-collinear geometry with strongly inhomogeneous current flow. As an illustration, spin-dependent transport through a non-magnetic nanoconstriction separating two magnetic layers was investigated. Unexpected results such as vortices of spin-currents in the vicinity of the nanoconstriction were obtained. The angular variations of magnetoresistance and spin-transfer torque are strongly influenced by the structure geometry.
The field of spin electronics (spintronics) was initiated by the discovery of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) for which Fert[1] and Grunberg[2] were awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize for Physics. GMR arises from differential scattering of the majority and minority spin electrons by a ferromagnet (FM) so that the resistance when the FM layers separated by non-magnetic (NM) spacers are aligned by an applied field is different to when they are antiparallel. In 1996 Slonczewski[3] and Berger[4] predicted that a large spin-polarised current could transfer spin-angular momentum and so exert a spin transfer torque (STT) sufficient to switch thin FM layers between stable magnetisation states[5] and, for even higher current densities, drive continuous precession which emits microwaves[6]. Thus, while GMR is a purely passive phenomenon which ultimately depends on the intrinsic band structure of the FM, STT adds an active element to spintronics by which the direction of the magnetisation may be manipulated. Here we show that highly non-equilibrium spin injection can modify the scattering asymmetry and, by extension, the intrinsic magnetism of a FM. This phenomenon is completely different to STT and provides a third ingredient which should further expand the range of opportunities for the application of spintronics.