Field-Free Magnetization Switching by an Acoustic Wave

Abstract

Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) at gigahertz frequencies are well suited to interact resonantly with spin waves in magnetostrictive materials, with the prospect of wavelike control of magnetization reversal in spintronic devices. The authors demonstrate SAW-driven all-acoustic switching over millimeter distances, and toggling between two equilibrium magnetic states for over 20 consecutive acoustic pulses. This proof-of-concept experiment confirms an alternative path to manipulating magnetic bits.