Abstract
A simple interpretation of a number of experimental results is proposed concerning the linear relationship between the absolute current perpendicular to plane magnetoresistance amplitude and the spin torque amplitude (assumed to be inversely proportional to the critical current for current-incuced switching) observed in several series of spin-valve structures. The model is based on the assumption that the spin torque prefactor is proportional to the total transverse current polarization which is itself proportional to the longitudinal polarization of the current due to the pinned layer only. The latter is calculated by using the semiclassical theory of current perpendicular to plane giant magnetoresistance (Valet and Fert theory) when switching off the bulk and interfacial scattering asymmetry in the free layer.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Article number | 184418 |
| Journal | Physical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics |
| Volume | 73 |
| Issue number | 18 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2006 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics