Instant-On Spin Torque in Noncollinear Magnetic Tunnel Junctions

Abstract

Spin-torque-operated magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy are established charge-to-spin transducers. Their switching speed is still fundamentally limited by thermal activation, however, leading to slower switching in memory applications. In this study a canted magnetization state is engineered to overcome the incubation delay, for faster switching times. Comparison to perpendicular MTJs is performed, with direct time-resolved observation of switching dynamics in both systems. These results should facilitate optimization of MTJ speed for spintronic computing.