Invariant form of spin-transfer switching condition

Abstract

We derive an invariant form of the current-induced switching condition in spin-transfer devices and show that for energy minima and maxima the "switching ability" of the current is determined by the spin torque divergence. In contrast, energy saddle points are normally stabilized by current-induced merging with other equilibria. Our approach provides new predictions for several experimental setups and shows the limitations of some frequently used approximations.

5 pages, 6 figures

References in corpus (6)

• Spin Transfer Torques
• Shaped angular dependence of the spin transfer torque and microwave generation without magnetic field
• Zero Field precession and hysteretic threshold currents in spin torque oscillators with tilted polarizer
• Current-driven destabilization of both collinear configurations in asymmetric spin-valves
• Current-controlled magnetization dynamics in the spin-flip transistor
• Anomalous stabilization in a spin-transfer system at high spin polarization

Cited by in corpus (5)

• Phase diagram and optimal switching induced by spin Hall effect in a perpendicular magnetic layer
• Planar approximation for spin transfer systems with application to tilted polarizer devices
• Spin torque oscillator for microwave assisted magnetization reversal
• Large Amplitude Spin-Hall Oscillations due to Field-like Torque
• Coherent Sub-Nanosecond Switching of Perpendicular Magnetization by the Field-like Spin-Orbit Torque without an External Magnetic Field