Switching spin valves using r.f. currents

Abstract

We show that magnetization reversal in spin-injection devices can be significantly faster when using a chirped r.f. rather than d.c current pulse. Alternatively one can use a simple sinusoidal r.f. pulse or an optimized series of alternating, equal-amplitude, square pulses of varying width (a digitized approximation to a chirped r.f. pulse) to produce switching using much smaller currents than with a d.c. pulse.