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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2022

Large exotic spin torques in antiferromagnetic iron rhodium.

Spin torque is a promising tool for driving magnetization dynamics for computing technologies. These torques can be easily produced by spin-orbit effects, but for most conventional spin source materials, a high degree of crystal symmetry limits the geometry of the spin torques produced. Magnetic ordering is one way to reduce the symmetry of a material and allow exotic torques, and antiferromagnets are particularly promising because they are robust against external fields. We present spin torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) measurements and second harmonic Hall measurements characterizing the spin torques in anti -ferromagnetic iron rhodium alloy. We report extremely large, strongly temperature-dependent exotic spin torques with a geometry apparently defined by the magnetic ordering direction. We find the spin torque efficiency of iron rhodium to be (207 +/- 94)% at 170 K and (88 +/- 32)% at room temperature. We support our conclusions with theoretical calculations showing how the antiferromagnetic ordering in iron rhodium gives rise to such exotic torques.

Gibbons, Jonathan↗
DOE OSTI2015

Non-linear mode interaction between spin torque driven and damped modes in spin torque nano-oscillators

The influence of dynamic coupling in between magnetic layers of a standard spin torque nano-oscillator composed of a synthetic antiferromagnet (SyF) as a polarizer and an in-plane magnetized free layer has been investigated. Experiments on spin valve nanopillars reveal non-continuous features such as kinks in the frequency field dependence that cannot be explained without such interactions. Comparison of experiments to numerical macrospin simulations shows that this is due to non-linear interaction between the spin torque (STT) driven mode and a damped mode that is mediated via the third harmonics of the STT mode. It only occurs at large applied currents and thus at large excitation amplitudes of the STT mode. Under these conditions, a hybridized mode characterized by a strong reduction of the linewidth appears. The reduced linewidth can be explained by a reduction of the non-linear contribution to the linewidth via an enhanced effective damping. Interestingly, the effect depends also on the exchange interaction within the SyF. An enhancement of the current range of reduced linewidth by a factor of two and a reduction of the minimum linewidth by a factor of two are predicted from simulation when the exchange interaction strength is reduced by 30%. These results open directions to optimize the design and microwave performances of spin torque nano-oscillators taking advantage of the coupling mechanisms.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2021

Separation of Artifacts from Spin–Torque Ferromagnetic Resonance Measurements of Spin–Orbit Torque for the Low–Symmetry Van der Waals Semi–Metal ZrTe 3

Spin-orbit torques generated by exfoliated layers of the low-symmetry semi-metal ZrTe 3 are measured using the spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) technique. When the ZrTe 3 has a thickness greater than about 10 nm, artifacts due to spin pumping and/or resonant heating can cause the standard ST-FMR analysis to overestimate the true magnitude of the torque efficiency by as much as a factor of 30, and to indicate incorrectly that the spin-orbit torque depends strongly on the ZrTe 3 layer thickness. Artifact-free measurements can still be achieved over a substantial thickness range by the method developed recently to detect ST-FMR signals in the Hall geometry as well as the longitudinal geometry. ZrTe 3 /Permalloy samples generate a conventional in-plane anti-damping spin torque efficiency ξ$^{FL}_{∥}$ = 0.014 ± 0.004, and an unconventional in-plane field-like torque efficiency |ξ$^{FL}_{∥}$| = 0.003 ± 0.001. As a result, the out-of-plane anti-damping torque is negligible. It is suggested that artifacts similarly interfere with the standard ST-FMR analysis for other van der Waals samples thicker than about 10 nm.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Mode-hopping mechanism generating colored noise in a magnetic tunnel junction based spin torque oscillator

The frequency noise spectrum of a magnetic tunnel junction based spin torque oscillator is examined where multiple modes and mode-hopping events are observed. The frequency noise spectrum is found to consist of both white noise and 1/f frequency noise. We find a systematic and similar dependence of both white noise and 1/f frequency noise on bias current and the relative angle between the reference and free layers, which changes the effective damping and hence the mode-hopping behavior in this system. The frequency at which the 1/f frequency noise changes to white noise increases as the free layer is aligned away from the anti-parallel orientation w.r.t the reference layer. These results indicate that the origin of 1/f frequency noise is related to mode-hopping, which produces both white noise as well as 1/f frequency noise similar to the case of ring lasers.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Interface-driven spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance by Rashba coupling at the interface between nonmagnetic materials

The Rashba-Edelstein effect stems from the interaction between the electron's spin and its momentum induced by spin-orbit interaction at an interface or a surface. It was shown that the inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect can be used to convert a spin current into a charge current. Here, we demonstrate the reverse process of a charge-to spin-current conversion at a Bi/Ag Rashba interface. We show that this interface-driven spin current can drive an adjacent ferromagnet to resonance. We employ a spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance excitation/detection scheme which was developed originally for a bulk spin-orbital effect, the spin Hall effect. In our experiment, the direct Rashba-Edelstein effect generates an oscillating spin current from an alternating charge current driving the magnetization precession in a neighboring permalloy (Py, Ni 80 Fe 20 ) layer. As a result, electrical detection of the magnetization dynamics is achieved by a rectificationmechanism of the time dependent multilayer resistance arising from the anisotropic magnetoresistance.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Mode-coupling mechanisms in nanocontact spin-torque oscillators

Spin torque oscillators (STOs) are devices that allow for the excitation of a variety of magneto-dynamical modes at the nanoscale. Depending on both external conditions and intrinsic magnetic properties, STOs can exhibit regimes of mode-hopping and even mode coexistence. Whereas mode hopping has been extensively studied in STOs patterned as nanopillars, coexistence has been only recently observed for localized modes in nanocontact STOs (NC-STOs) where the current is confined to flow through a NC fabricated on an extended pseudo spin valve. We investigate the physical origin of the mode coupling mechanisms favoring coexistence, by means of electrical characterization and a multi-mode STO theory. Two coupling mechanisms are identified: (i) magnon mediated scattering and (ii) inter-mode interactions. These mechanisms can be physically disentangled by fabricating devices where the NCs have an elliptical cross-section. Furthermore, the generation power and linewidth from such devices are found to be in good qualitative agreement with the theoretical predictions, as well as provide evidence of the dominant mode coupling mechanisms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Switching efficiency improvement in spin torque majority gates

Spin torque majority gate (STMG) is one of the promising options for beyond complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor logic. Improvement of its performance—switching speed vs. required current—is critical for its competitiveness. In this paper, (a) we identify an optimized layout of the gate comprised of thin magnetic wires with in-plane magnetization; (b) we optimize geometries of perpendicular magnetization spin torque majority gates. Micromagnetic simulations demonstrate an improvement in switching current for in-plane magnetization (with less than 1 ns switching time) from 6 mA in the original scheme to 1.5 mA in the present one. Additionally, failures of switching caused by vortex formation are eliminated and desired output magnetization is achieved. Various geometries of STMG with perpendicular magnetization are explored. The scheme with a straight cross proves to be the most advantageous. It is predicted to operate with the switching current of 50 μA and less than 4 ns switching time.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance measurements utilizing spin Hall magnetoresistance in W/Co 40 Fe 40 B 20 /Mg O structures

Here, we study the magnetic properties of W/Co 40 Fe 40 B 20 (CoFeB)/MgO films using the spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) technique. This study takes the advantage of the spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) for generating an oscillating resistance, which is one of the necessary requirements for obtaining mixing voltage in the ST-FMR technique. We have measured both the as-grown and the annealed samples with different CoFeB layer thicknesses, which include the in-plane and out-of-plane magnetic anisotropies. The spectra for these two types of anisotropies show distinct signatures. By analyzing the ST-FMR spectra, we extract the effective anisotropy field for both types of samples. In addition, we investigate the influence of CoFeB thickness and annealing on the Gilbert damping constant. Our experiments show that by taking advantage of SMR, the ST-FMR measurement acts as an effective tool with high sensitivity for studying the magnetic properties of ultrathin magnetic films.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2015

Large amplitude oscillation of magnetization in spin-torque oscillator stabilized by field-like torque

Oscillation frequency of spin torque oscillator with a perpendicularly magnetized free layer and an in-plane magnetized pinned layer is theoretically investigated by taking into account the field-like torque. It is shown that the field-like torque plays an important role in finding the balance between the energy supplied by the spin torque and the dissipation due to the damping, which results in a steady precession. The validity of the developed theory is confirmed by performing numerical simulations based on the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2015

Current-induced spin torque resonance of magnetic insulators affected by field-like spin-orbit torques and out-of-plane magnetizations

The spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) in a bilayer system consisting of a magnetic insulator such as Y{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12} and a normal metal with spin-orbit interaction such as Pt is addressed theoretically. We model the ST-FMR for all magnetization directions and in the presence of field-like spin-orbit torques based on the drift-diffusion spin model and quantum mechanical boundary conditions. ST-FMR experiments may expose crucial information about the spin-orbit coupling between currents and magnetization in the bilayers.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2014

Generation linewidth of mode-hopping spin torque oscillators

Experiments on spin torque oscillators commonly observe multi-mode signals. Recent theoretical works have ascribed the multi-mode signal generation to coupling between energy-separated spin wave modes. Here, we analyze in detail the dynamics generated by such mode coupling. We show analytically that the mode-hopping dynamics broaden the generation linewidth and makes it generally well described by a Voigt lineshape. Furthermore, we show that the mode-hopping contribution to the linewidth can dominate in which case it provides a direct measure of the mode-hopping rate. Due to the thermal drive of mode-hopping events, the mode-hopping rate also provides information on the energy barrier separating modes and temperature-dependent linewidth broadening. Our results are in good agreement with experiments, revealing the physical mechanism behind the linewidth broadening in multi-mode spin torque oscillators.

Iacocca, Ezio↗
DOE OSTI2015

Intrinsic synchronization of an array of spin-torque oscillators driven by the spin-Hall effect

This paper micromagnetically studies the magnetization dynamics driven by the spin-Hall effect in a Platinum/Permalloy bi-layer. For a certain field and current range, the excitation of a uniform mode, characterized by a power with a spatial distribution in the whole ferromagnetic cross section, is observed. We suggest to use the ferromagnet of the bi-layer as basis for the realization of an array of spin-torque oscillators (STOs): the Permalloy ferromagnet will act as shared free layer, whereas the spacers and the polarizers are built on top of it. Following this strategy, the frequency of the uniform mode will be the same for the whole device, creating an intrinsic synchronization. The synchronization of an array of parallely connected STOs will allow to increase the output power, as necessary for technological applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

Simultaneous Optical and Electrical Spin-Torque Magnetometry with Phase-sensitive Detection of Spin Precession

Spin-based coherent information processing and encoding utilize the precession phase of spins in magnetic materials. However, the detection and manipulation of spin precession phases remain a major challenge for advanced spintronic functionalities. By using simultaneous electrical and optical detection, we demonstrate the direct measurement of the spin precession phase of a permalloy device driven by the spin-orbit torques from adjacent heavy metals. The spin Hall angle of the heavy metals can be independently determined from concurrent electrical and optical signals. The phase-sensitive optical detection also allows spatially-resolved measurements of local spin-torque parameters and ferromagnetic resonance with comprehensive amplitude and phase information. Here, our study offers a route toward future advanced characterizations of spin-torque oscillators, magnonic circuits, and tunneling junctions, where measuring the current-induced spin dynamics of individual nanomagnets is required.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Unconventional fieldlike spin torques in CrPt 3

The topological semimetal CrPt 3 has potential for generating unconventional spin torques due to its ferrimagnetic ordering, topological band structure, and high anomalous Hall effect. CrPt 3 exhibits ferrimagnetic behavior only in its chemically ordered phase and is paramagnetic in its chemically disordered phase. By controlling the growth and annealing temperatures, we prepare epitaxial films of both chemically ordered and chemically disordered phases of CrPt 3 , allowing us to investigate the effect of magnetic ordering on unconventional-torque generation. We use angle-dependent spin-torque-ferromagnetic-resonance and second-harmonic Hall measurements to probe the spin torques generated from epitaxial CrPt 3 in CrPt 3 /Cu/Ni 81 ⁢Fe 19 heterostructures. With current applied along specific directions with respect to the crystal order, we reveal unconventional spin torques in both ordered and disordered films. When current flows parallel to the [$1\bar{1}1$] and [ $\bar{1}11$] directions, we observe an unconventional fieldlike torque that is opposite in sign for the two directions. Finally, our calculations reveal that this unconventional torque originates from an indirect nonlocal spin-orbit torque due to spin scattering at the CrPt 3 /Cu interface, in addition to symmetry breaking at this interface.

ferromagnetic resonance↗
DOE OSTI2017

Tunable Mode Coupling in Nanocontact Spin-Torque Oscillators

Recent experiments on spin-torque oscillators have revealed interactions between multiple magneto-dynamic modes, including mode coexistence, mode hopping, and temperature-driven crossover between modes. The initial multimode theory indicates that a linear coupling between several dominant modes, arising from the interaction of the subdynamic system with a magnon bath, plays an essential role in the generation of various multimode behaviors, such as mode hopping and mode coexistence. In this work, we derive a set of rate equations to describe the dynamics of coupled magneto-dynamic modes in a nanocontact spin-torque oscillator. Here, expressions for both linear and nonlinear coupling terms are obtained, which allow us to analyze the dependence of the coupled dynamic behaviors of modes on external experimental conditions as well as intrinsic magnetic properties. For a minimal two-mode system, we further map the energy and phase difference of the two modes onto a two-dimensional phase space and demonstrate in the phase portraits how the manifolds of periodic orbits and fixed points vary with an external magnetic field as well as with the temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Fast deterministic switching in orthogonal spin torque devices via the control of the relative spin polarizations

We model 100 ps pulse switching dynamics of orthogonal spin transfer (OST) devices that employ an out-of-plane polarizer and an in-plane polarizer. Simulation results indicate that increasing the spin polarization ratio, C{sub P} = P{sub IPP}/P{sub OPP}, results in deterministic switching of the free layer without over-rotation (360° rotation). By using spin torque asymmetry to realize an enhanced effective P{sub IPP}, we experimentally demonstrate this behavior in OST devices in parallel to anti-parallel switching. Modeling predicts that decreasing the effective demagnetization field can substantially reduce the minimum C{sub P} required to attain deterministic switching, while retaining low critical switching current, I{sub p} ∼ 500 μA.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗