Quasiballistic Magnetization Reversal

Abstract

We demonstrate a quasiballistic switching of the magnetization in a microscopic magnetoresistive memory cell. By means of time resolved magnetotransport, we follow the large angle precession of the free layer magnetization of a spin valve cell upon application of transverse magnetic field pulses. Stopping the field pulse after a 180 degrees precession rotation leads to magnetization reversal with reversal times as short as 165 ps. This switching mode represents the fundamental ultrafast limit of field induced magnetization reversal.