Precessional magnetization switching by a surface acoustic wave

L. Thevenard, I. S. Camara, S. Majrab, M. Bernard, P. Rovillain, A. Lemaître, C. Gourdon, and J.-Y. Duquesne
Phys. Rev. B 93, 134430 – Published 29 April 2016

Abstract

Precessional switching allows subnanosecond and deterministic reversal of magnetic data bits. It relies on triggering a large-angle, highly nonlinear precession of magnetic moments around a bias field. Here we demonstrate that a surface acoustic wave (SAW) propagating on a magnetostrictive semiconducting material produces an efficient torque that induces precessional switching. This is evidenced by Kerr microscopy and acoustic behavior analysis in a (Ga,Mn)(As,P) thin film. Using SAWs should therefore allow remote and wave control of individual magnetic bits at potentially GHz frequencies.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 16 November 2015
  • Revised 3 March 2016

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.93.134430

©2016 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Condensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

Authors & Affiliations

L. Thevenard1,*, I. S. Camara1, S. Majrab1, M. Bernard1, P. Rovillain1, A. Lemaître2, C. Gourdon1, and J.-Y. Duquesne1

  • 1Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Universite de Paris 06, CNRS, Institut des Nanosciences de Paris, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris, France
  • 2Laboratoire de Photonique et Nanostructures, CNRS, UPR 20, Route de Nozay, Marcoussis 91460, France

  • *thevenard@insp.jussieu.fr

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 93, Iss. 13 — 1 April 2016

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review B

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×