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Title: Current-induced picosecond magnetization dynamics in a Ta/CoFeB/MgO hall bar
Abstract

Time-resolved Kerr microscopy (TRSKM) has been used to explore the small amplitude picosecond magnetization dynamics induced by spin–orbit torques in a Ta(4 nm)/Co40Fe40B20(1 nm)/MgO(1.6 nm)/Ta(1 nm) Hall bar structure. The time dependent polar magneto optical Kerr effect was recorded following injection of a current pulse of 70 ps duration. Macrospin simulations provide a reasonable description of the precession and a transient background response as the field strength and current polarity are varied, while confirming that the in-plane spin–orbit torque is dominant within this system. Increasing the current density within the simulations leads to coherent magnetization reversal. Inclusion of a modest in-plane bias field is found to reduce both the switching current and the time required for switching. The orientation of the in-plane field relative to the direction of the current determines whether the magnetization can be switched backwards and forwards by current pulses of the same or opposite polarity.

 
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NSF-PAR ID:
10306272
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
IOP Publishing
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
Volume:
52
Issue:
35
ISSN:
0022-3727
Page Range / eLocation ID:
Article No. 355003
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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