Analysis of spin transfer torque in Co/Cu/Co pseudo-spin-valve with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

Abstract

Perpendicular-magnetized pseudo-spin-valves (PSV) boast the advantages of lower aspect ratio, greater magnetic stability and thermal stability; and hence constitute a promising candidate for achieving higher integration area density. In this paper, we investigate the spin transport and spin transfer torque in a Co/Cu(1 1 1)/Co perpendicular PSV structure where the magnetization of the Co layers are oriented in the out-of-plane direction, in the presence of a spin-polarized current in the perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) geometry. Both ballistic spin-dependent transmission/reflection at the two Co-Cu interfaces and diffusive spin relaxation within the Co and Cu layers are considered in our model. The ballistic calculations predict an absorbed spin current component at the Cu-free Co interface, which constitutes the main source (∼90%) of the total spin transfer torque in the free Co layer. The remaining torque arises from the spin relaxation of transmitted spin current within the free Co layer. Our model predicts a lower range of the critical current density of less than 107 A/cm2 for perpendicularly magnetized PSVs, while that for in-plane magnetized PSVs is of the order of several 107 A/cm2. Additionally, perpendicularly magnetized PSVs also possess other practical advantages which make them promising candidates for future MRAM applications. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.