Large-angle, gigahertz-rate random telegraph switching induced by spin-momentum transfer

Published

July 27, 2004

Author(s)

Matthew Pufall, William Rippard, Shehzaad F. Kaka, Stephen E. Russek, Thomas J. Silva, Jordan A. Katine, Matt Carey

Abstract

We show that a spin-polarized dc current passing through a small magnetic element induces two-state, random telegraph switching of the magnetization via the spin-momentum transfer effect. The resistances of the states differ by up to 50% of the change due to complete magnetization reversal. Fluctuations are seen for a wide range of currents and magnetic fields, with rates that can exceed 2 GHz, and involve collective motion of a large volume (10^4^ nm^3^) of spins. Switching rate trends with field and current indicate that increasing temperature alone cannot explain the dynamics. The rates approach a stochastic regime wherein dynamics are governed by both precessional motion and thermal perturbations.

Citation

Physical Review B (Condensed Matter and Materials Physics)

Volume

69

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

1/f noise, spin-momentum transfer, spin-valve, telegraph noise

Citation

Pufall, M. , Rippard, W. , Kaka, S. , Russek, S. , Silva, T. , Katine, J. and Carey, M. (2004), Large-angle, gigahertz-rate random telegraph switching induced by spin-momentum transfer, Physical Review B (Condensed Matter and Materials Physics), [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=31582 (Accessed October 6, 2025)