Dependence of the Switching Current Density on the Junction Sizes in Spin Transfer Torque

Abstract

We investigate the dependence of switching current density on the junction sizes in the spin transfer torque nanopillar structures by using micromagnetic simulations. While the macro spin model predicts weak dependence of switching current density on the junction sizes, we find that the switching current density is a sensitive function of the junction sizes. It can be explained with the complicated spin configurations and dynamics during the switching process. The detail spin configurations and dynamics are determined by spin wave excitation with the finite wave vector, which is related with the exchange coupling energy and junction shape.