Boltzmann Test of Slonczewski's Theory of Spin Transfer Torque

Published

November 12, 2004

Author(s)

J Xiao, A Zangwill, Mark D. Stiles

Abstract

We use a matrix Boltzmann equation formalism to test the accuracy of Slonczewski's theory of spin-transfer torque in thin-film heterostructures where a non-magnetic spacer layer separates two non-collinear ferromagnetic layers connected to non-magnetic leads. When applicable, the model predictions for the torque as a function of the angle between the two ferromagnets agree extremely well with the torques computed from a Boltzmann equation calculation. We focus on asymmetric structures (where the two ferromagnets and two leads are not identical) where the agreement pertains to a new analytic formula for the torque derived by us using Slonczewski's theory. In almost all cases, we can predict the correct value of the model parameters directly from the geometric and transport properties of the multilayer. For some asymmetric geometries, we predict a new mode of stable precession that does not occur for the symmetric case studied by Slonczewski.

Citation

Physical Review B (Condensed Matter and Materials Physics)

Volume

70

Issue

17

Pub Type

Journals

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Citation

Xiao, J. , Zangwill, A. and Stiles, M. (2004), Boltzmann Test of Slonczewski's Theory of Spin Transfer Torque, Physical Review B (Condensed Matter and Materials Physics), [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=620562 (Accessed October 13, 2025)