Bistable perpendicular switching with in-plane spin polarization and without external fields

Abstract

To-date, all experiments switching perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) materials with in-plane spin polarization require external B-fields. Here, in two approaches, it is shown that with Rashba-type in-plane spin polarization and PMA, bistable switching is achievable without external B-fields, and at currents on the order of 107 A/cm2, consistent with recent experiments. Utilization of PMA is primarily discussed, demonstrating the potential for two possibilities: (1) in-plane polarization as a 'natural' candidate for precessional switching and (2) bistable switching using a tilted anisotropy axis. Both are shown to lead to stable perpendicular switching without an external B-field, even though spin polarization is in-plane. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.