Abstract
The coupling of spin and heat gives rise to new physical phenomena in nanoscale spin devices. In particular, spin-transfer torque (STT) driven by thermal transport provides a new way to manipulate local magnetization. We quantify thermal STT in metallic spin-valve structures using an intense and ultrafast heat current created by picosecond pulses of laser light. Our result shows that thermal STT consists of demagnetization-driven and spin-dependent Seebeck effect (SDSE)-driven components; the SDSE-driven STT becomes dominant after 3 ps. The sign and magnitude of the SDSE-driven STT can be controlled by the composition of a ferromagnetic layer and the thickness of a heat sink layer.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 576-581 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Nature Physics |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1 2015 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy(all)