Single-mode spin-wave laser driven by spin-orbit torque

Abstract

A central goal in spintronics and magnonics is the use of spin waves rather than electrons for efficient information processing. The key to integrate such spintronic circuits with electronic circuits is the ability to inject, control and detect coherent spin waves with charge currents. Here, we propose a tunable setup consisting of a synthetic antiferromagnet in an inhomogeneous magnetic field in which one of the magnetic layers is thin and biased by spin-orbit torque. We show that for appriopriate conditions single-mode coherent spin waves are emitted in this set-up. The set-up implements coupling of continuum spin waves with a finite region of negative energy spin waves, such that specific frequencies become self-amplified and thus start lasing. We show there exist a large region in parameter space for which the coherent spin wave laser is stabilized by non-linearities and spin-orbit torques. Our findings may lead to new ways of injecting coherent spin waves with direct currents.