Regensburg 2013 – scientific programme

Parts | Days | Selection | Search | Updates | Downloads | Help

MA: Fachverband Magnetismus

MA 8: Spin Excitations and Spin Torque

MA 8.3: Talk

Monday, March 11, 2013, 10:00–10:15, H23

Imaging of spin transfer torque induced magnetization reversal — •Matthias Buhl¹, Jochen Grebing¹, Sebastian Wintz¹, Jörg Raabe², Jürgen Fassbender¹, and Artur Erbe¹ — ¹Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany — ²Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen, Switzerland

Setting the magnetic state of nanostructures can be used for durable information storage. For future applications, this process needs to be developed towards true nanoscale dimensions in order to keep up the miniaturization speed of modern nanoelectronic components. Therefore, new concepts for controlling the state of nanomagnets are currently in the focus of research in the field of nanoelectronics. Here, we demonstrate the magnetic characterization of purely metallic nanopillars placed on a lead that conducts a spin-polarized current at room temperature. The structures are fabricated by means of electron beam lithography. Spin diffusion across the metal-metal (Cu to CoFe) interface between the pillar and the lead causes spin accumulation in the pillar, which may then be used to set the magnetic orientation of the pillar. Reproducible switching of the magnetization of the pillar is observed by direct imaging via scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM).