Influence of band parameters on spin-transfer torque in tunnel junctions: model calculations

Published

June 1, 2010

Author(s)

Asma H. Khalil, Mark D. Stiles, Christian Heiliger

Abstract

We study the in--plane spin--transfer torque in magnetic tunnel junctions for different band fillings and exchange splittings. The range of biases over which the in--plane torque is linear depends strongly on these parameters. If the ferromagnetic layer has a half--metallic behavior with respect to the tunneling states the linear range in the bias dependence of the in--plane torque is significantly larger that if the behavior is metallic. For parameters that reproduce the important features of the Fe band structure, the results are in agreement with experimental data as well as with ab initio calculations.

Citation

Journal of Applied Physics

Volume

49

Issue

6

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

MRAM, tunnel junctions, electronic structure, spin transfer torque, spintronics, TMR

Citation

Khalil, A. , Stiles, M. and Heiliger, C. (2010), Influence of band parameters on spin-transfer torque in tunnel junctions: model calculations, Journal of Applied Physics, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=904112 (Accessed October 16, 2025)