Band-pass superlattice magnetic tunnel junctions

Abstract

Significant scientific and technological progress in the field of spintronics is based on trilayer magnetic tunnel junction devices which principally rely on the physics of single barrier tunneling. While technologically relevant devices have been prototyped, the physics of single barrier tunneling poses ultimate limitations on the performance of magnetic tunnel junction devices. Here, we propose a fresh route toward high performance magnetic tunnel junctions by making electronic analogs of optical phenomena such as anti-reflections and Fabry-Pèrot resonances. The devices we propose feature anti-reflection enabled superlattice heterostructures sandwiched between the fixed and the free ferromagnets of the magnetic tunnel junction structure. Our predictions are based on the non-equilibrium Green's function spin transport formalism coupled self-consistently with the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski equation. Owing to the physics of bandpass spin filtering in the bandpass superlattice magnetic tunnel junction device, we demonstrate an ultra-high boost in the tunnel magneto-resistance (TMR$\approx 5\times 10^4\%$) and nearly 92% suppression of spin transfer torque switching bias in comparison to a traditional trilayer magnetic tunnel junction device. We rationalize improvised spin transfer torque switching via analysis of the Slonczewski spin current transmission spectra. The proof of concepts presented here can lead to next-generation spintronics device design harvesting the rich physics of superlattice heterostructures and exploiting spintronic analogs of optical phenomena.

arXiv comment5 pages

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