Dynamical stability by spin transfer in nearly isotropic magnets

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Authors: H. Kurebayashi, Joseph Barker, Takumi Yamazaki, Varun Kumar Kushwaha, Kilian D. Stenning, Harry Youel, Xueyao Hou, Troy Dion, Daniel Prestwood, Gerrit E. W. Bauer, Kei Yamamoto, Takeshi Seki
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Abstract

Spin transfer torques (STTs) control magnetisation by electric currents, enabling a range of nano-scale spintronic applications. They can destabilise the equilibrium magnetisation state by counteracting magnetic relaxation. Here, we maximise the STT effect through a dedicated growth-annealing protocol for CoFeB thin films, such that magnetic anisotropies originating from the interface and shape almost cancel each other. The nearly isotropic magnets enable low-current dynamical stabilisation of the magnetisation in the direction opposite to an applied magnetic field, thereby realising a spintronic analogue of the Kapitza pendulum. In an intermediate current regime, the STT drives large magnetisation vector fluctuations that cover the entire Bloch sphere. The continuous variable associated with the stochastic magnetisation direction may serve as a resource for probabilistic computing and neuromorphic hardware. Our results establish isotropic magnets as a platform to study as-yet-uncharted, far-from-equilibrium spin dynamics including anti-magnonics, with promising implications for unconventional computing paradigms.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Magnetic properties of thin films Quantum and electron transport phenomena Magnetic Properties of Alloys

Publication details

Journal / source
White Rose Research Online (University of Leeds, The University of Sheffield, University of York)
Publication date
13 January 2026
Language
EN