Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, tunneling magnetoresistance and spin-transfer torque effect in magnetic tunnel junctions with Nb layers

Bowei Zhou, Pravin Khanal, Onri Jay Benally, Deyuan Lyu, Daniel B. Gopman, Arthur Enriquez, Ali Habiboglu, Kennedy Warrilow, Jian Ping Wang, Wei Gang Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nb and its compounds are widely used in quantum computing due to their high superconducting transition temperatures and high critical fields. Devices that combine superconducting performance and spintronic non-volatility could deliver unique functionality. Here we report the study of magnetic tunnel junctions with Nb as the heavy metal layers. An interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy density of 1.85 mJ/m2 was obtained in Nb/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures. The tunneling magnetoresistance was evaluated in junctions with different thickness combinations and different annealing conditions. An optimized magnetoresistance of 120% was obtained at room temperature, with a damping parameter of 0.011 determined by ferromagnetic resonance. In addition, spin-transfer torque switching has also been successfully observed in these junctions with a quasistatic switching current density of 7.3 ×105 A/cm2.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number3454
JournalScientific reports
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023

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© 2023, The Author(s).

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