Resonant Switching Using Spin Valves

Using micromagnetics, we demonstrate that the RF field produced by a spin valve can be used to reverse the magnetization in a magnetic nanoparticle. The RF field is generated using a current that specifically excites a uniform spin wave in the spin valve. This current is swept such that the chirped-frequency generated by the valve matches the angular-dependent resonant frequency of the anisotropy-dominated magnetic nanoparticle, as a result of which the magnetization reversal occurs. The switching is fast, requires currents similar to those used in recent experiments with spin valves, and is stable with respect to small perturbations. This phenomenon can potentially be employed in magnetic information storage devices or recently discussed magnetic computing schemes