Abstract
We measure the temperature, magnetic-field, and current dependence for the switching of nanomagnets by a spin-polarized current. Depending on current bias, switching can occur between either two static magnetic states or a static state and a current-driven precessional mode. In both cases, the switching is thermally activated and governed by the sample temperature, not a higher effective magnetic temperature. The activation barriers for switching between static states depend linearly on current, with a weaker dependence for dynamic to static switching.
- Received 19 March 2004
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.93.166603
©2004 American Physical Society