Theory of nonequilibrium intrinsic spin torque in a single nanomagnet

被引:433
作者
Manchon, A. [1 ]
Zhang, S. [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Arizona, Dept Phys, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA
来源
PHYSICAL REVIEW B | 2008年 / 78卷 / 21期
关键词
magnetisation; nanostructured materials; spin-orbit interactions;
D O I
10.1103/PhysRevB.78.212405
中图分类号
T [工业技术];
学科分类号
08 ;
摘要
In a single nanomagnet with spin-orbit interactions, the electrical current can generate a nonequilibrium spin density that gives rise to a spin torque on the magnetization. This spin torque does not involve spin transfer mechanism and originates from the band structure itself. We show that this spin torque can be effectively used to switch the direction of the magnetization and the critical switching current density could be as low as 10(4)-10(6) A/cm(2) for a number of magnetic systems. Several magnetic systems for possible experimental realization are discussed.
引用
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页数:4
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