Accelerating the switching of logical units by anisotropy driven magnetization dynamics

Abstract

In this work the magnetization dynamics of clusters supported on non-magnetic substrates is shown to exhibit an unprecedented complex response when subjected to external magnetic fields. The field-driven magnetization reversal of small Co clusters deposited on a Cu(111) surface has been studied by means of first-principles calculations and atomistic spin dynamics simulations. For applied fields ranging from 1 Tesla to 10 Tesla, we observe a coherent magnetization reversal with switching times in the range of several tenths of picoseconds to several nanoseconds, depending on the field strength. We find a non-monotonous dependence of the switching times with respect to the strength of the applied field, which we prove to have its origin in the complex magnetic anisotropy landscape of these low dimensional systems. This effect is shown to be stable for temperatures around 10 K, and is possible to realize over a range of exchange interactions and anisotropy landscapes. Possible experimental routes to achieve this unique switching behaviour are discussed.