Switching-mode-dependent magnetic interlayer coupling strength in spin valves and magnetic tunnel junctions

Abstract

We have studied the magnetization reversal dynamics of spin valves and magnetic tunnel junctions deposited on step bunched silicon substrates with a strong topological modulation. Our measurements show that the magnetization reversal is dominated by domain wall propagation at low field sweep rates and nucleation processes at high sweep rates. The magnetostatic orange peel coupling present in quasi-static conditions between the magnetic layers disappears when switching by nucleation becomes dominant. Micromagnetic simulations show that this phenomenon can be explained taking into account the modulated topology of the substrate.