Zero-field spin-transfer oscillators combining in-plane and out-of-plane magnetized layers

Excited magnetization dynamics in a spin-valve device consisting of an in-plane polarizer and an out-of-plane free layer were studied numerically. Such devices hold promise for nanoscale wireless transmitters operating at gigahertz frequencies, compatible with current technologies [1]. We solve the Landau Lifschitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski equation taking into account the spin-transfer-torque asymmetry.
This asymmetry is directly responsible for the appearance of excited dynamics in this specific geometry as it leads to a net spin transfer torque over one precession cycle. Unfortunately, when the free layer lacks any in-plane anisotropy components, i.e. is circular in shape and posesses purely uni-axial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, a finite external field is required to generate steady-state dynamics, in agreement with previous reports[2][3].
We demonstrate that this constraint can be removed and precession can be stabilized in zero applied field by introducing an additional in-plane anisotropy axis, in this case an elongation of the free layer in the direction of the injected spin polarized current. Moreover, the in-plane anisotropy offers an additional degree of freedom for tuning the frequency response of the device[4].
The shape anisotropy introduces a variable in-plane magnetic field whose direction is dependent on the exact location of the magnetisation of the free layer around the precession trajectory. The field induced by the shape anisotropy is sufficient to balance the action of the spin transfer torque and leads to steady state precession in suitably shaped devices. The frequency dependence, frequency spectra as well as a selected precession orbit for a 90nmx80nm free layer at zero applied field are shown in the figure to the right.
Our results show that the use of an intrinsic shape anisotropy is beneficial for spin transfer oscillators in order to achieve consistent high-power, zero-field, out-of plane precessional states without any initial magnetization direction dependence.
[1] S. I. Kiselev et al., Nature 425, 380 (2003).
[2] W. H. Rippard et al., Phys. Rev. B 81, 014426 (2010).
[3] S. M. Mohseni et al., Phys. Status Solidi: Rapid Res. Lett. 5, 432 (2011).
[4] C. Fowley et al., Applied Physics Express 7, 043001 (2014)