High frequency operation of a spin-torque oscillator at low field

• We demonstrate a nano-contact based spin-torque oscillator (STO) combining a high operating frequency with low field operation. The STO is based on an orthogonal spin-valve architecture with an in-plane Co polarizer and an out-of-plane Co/Ni multilayer free layer. High frequency operation at low external fields is achieved by tailoring the Co/Ni layer properties to increase the strength (H(k)) of the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, while simultaneously reducing the saturation magnetization (M(s)). Our approach emphasizes the importance of mu(0)(H(k)-M(s)) in determining the operating frequency in this system, and suggests that yet higher frequencies should be attainable through further optimization. [GRAPHICS]

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Den kondenserade materiens fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Condensed Matter Physics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

spin-torque oscillators

perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Co/Ni multilayers

magnetism

spintronics

microwave electronics

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)