Giant magnetoresistance rectification by Néel vector dynamics

Abstract

We observe room-temperature giant magnetoresistance (GMR) rectification driven by Néel vector dynamics in synthetic antiferromagnets. During spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance, the out-of-phase (optical) mode makes the relative angle between the two sub-moments oscillate, producing a rectified voltage due to GMR. This component is isolated from anisotropic and spin Hall magnetoresistance contributions by its angular symmetry, with its voltages scaling linearly with microwave power. We extract a GMR coefficient of 0.18-0.20 % from the rectification, which agrees with independently measured dc magnetoresistance. Reversing the Néel vector with a dc current changes the sign of the GMR rectification voltage in a non-volatile and controlled manner.

arXiv comment6 pages, 4 figures (main) and Supplementary Material