Spin Torque Induced Magnetization Switching Variations

Abstract

Spin torque induced magnetization switching variations are studied using experimental measurement and theoretical modeling. The study covers a wide time range, from the short time dynamic switching (10 ns) to the long time thermal switching (0.1 s). The modeling results agree well with the measurement data on switching mean and variation. Both data and model show different scaling behaviors of switching current variation and switching time variation as time scales down from the second to the nanosecond region. This study not only provides understanding of the physics involved, but also tools for making design tradeoffs between current switching magnitude, switching variation, switching speed, and thermal stability.