Electric field induced magnetization reversal in magnet/ insulator nanoheterostructure

Authors: Qihua Gong, Min Yi and Bai-Xiang Xu

Electric-field control of magnetization reversal is promising for low- power spintronics. Here in a magnet/insulator nanoheterostructure which is the fundamental unit of magnetic tunneling junction in spintronics, we demonstrate the electric field induced 180 degree magnetization switching through a multiscale study combining first- principles calculations and finite-temperature magnetization dynamics. In the model nanoheterostructure MgO/Fe/Cu with insu- lator MgO, soft nanomagnet Fe and capping layer Cu, through first- principles calculations we find its magnetocrystalline anisotropy linearly varying with the electric field. Using finite-temperature magnetization dynamics which is informed by the first-principles results, we disclose that a room-temperature 180 degree magnetization switching with switching probability higher than 90% is achievable by controlling the electric-field pulse and the nanoheterostructure size. The 180 degree switching could be fast realized within 5 ns. This study is useful for the design of low-power, fast, and miniaturized nanoscale electric-field-controlled spintronics.

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