Field-Free High-Frequency Exchange-Spring Spin-Torque Nano-Oscillators

Nano Lett. 2023 Feb 22;23(4):1159-1166. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03613. Epub 2023 Feb 7.

Abstract

Spin-torque nano-oscillators (STNOs) are a type of nanoscale microwave auto-oscillators utilizing spin-torque to generate magnetodynamics with great promise for applications in microwaves, magnetic memory, and neuromorphic computing. Here, we report the first demonstration of exchange-spring STNOs, with an exchange-spring ([Co/Pd]-Co) reference layer and a perpendicular ([Co/Ni]) free layer. This magnetic configuration results in high-frequency (>10 GHz) microwave emission at a zero magnetic field and exchange-spring dynamics in the reference layer and the observation of magnetic droplet solitons in the free layer at different current polarities. Our demonstration of bipolar and field-free exchange-spring-based STNOs operating over a 20 GHz frequency range greatly extends the design freedom and functionality of the current STNO technology for energy-efficient high-frequency spintronic and neuromorphic applications.

Keywords: Exchange-spring magnet; Field-free auto-oscillation; Magnetic droplet; Spin-torque nano-oscillators.