ISSN:
1089-7550
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
We present measurements demonstrating current-induced magnetic domain switching, and also other magnetic excitations, in point-contact devices containing alternating ferromagnetic (F) and noble metal (N) layers, for perpendicular currents ∼109 A/cm2. For F/N/F trilayers in which one F layer is much thinner than the other, we can controllably switch the magnetic moments in the two F layers parallel with a current bias of one sign, and switch them antiparallel with a reversed current. For thicker magnetic films, and for thin films in the presence of a saturating magnetic field, we observe nonhysteretic current-induced changes in resistance, which can be understood as current-induced spin-wave excitations. These observations are in agreement with a model of current-induced magnetic reorientations caused by local exchange forces between conduction electrons and the magnetic moments. © 2000 American Institute of Physics.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.373385
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