Spin-current-induced dynamics in ferromagnetic nanopillars of lateral spin-valve structures

Abstract

Under electrical injection, spin accumulation occurs in lateral spin valves at the two ferromagnet/nonmagnet interfaces, which produces a torque on the ferromagnetic electrodes, and the possibility of pure spin-current-induced magnetization reversal. Here, we generate a pure spin current in a lateral spin valve while simultaneously sweeping an external magnetic field. We observe changes to the switching properties in accordance with the effective spin torque. We also find that the spin current necessary for magnetization reversal is much lower than that required in the absence of an external field, indicative that the effective potential barrier to be overcome is lowered by the applied magnetic field. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.