Reduced spin transfer torque switching current density with non-collinear polarizer layer magnetization in magnetic multilayer systems

Through micromagnetic simulations, it was found that the spin transfer torque (STT) switching current density is reduced with non-collinear polarizer layer magnetization. The dependence of the switching current density on the polarizer layer magnetization angle was investigated, and a typical magnetic tunneling junction structure with an exchange biased synthetic ferrimagnetic polarizer layers was considered. The easy axis of the polarizer layer was varied through controlling the exchange bias field direction in the ellipse cross-section nano-pillar structures. It was found that the switching current density was reduced by 39% when the exchange bias field was 10 degrees from the long axis of the ellipse without the perpendicular STT. When the effect of the perpendicular STT was included, the switching current reductions were general for the non-collinear polarizer layer. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4730376]