Enhancement of spin-torque diode sensitivity in a magnetic tunnel junction by parametric synchronization

Abstract

We demonstrate enhanced radio frequency (RF) detection sensitivity in a magnetic tunnel junction based spin torque oscillator (STO) using parametric synchronization. The parametric synchronization is observed above the auto-oscillation threshold of the STO and enhances the RF sensitivity at 2f0, where f0 is the auto-oscillation frequency. The maximum RF sensitivity for parametric synchronization at 2f0≃9 GHz is 16 mV/mW, while the maximum RF sensitivity at f0≃4.5 GHz without parametric synchronization is 12 mV/mW. Macrospin simulations corroborate the experimental results.