Coherent magnetization reversal of a cylindrical nanomagnet in shape-anisotropy magnetic tunnel junctions

摘要

A shape-anisotropy magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) holds promise for its scaling into single-digit nanometers while possessing high data-retention capability. Understanding magnetization reversal mode is crucial to quantify the thermal stability factor Δ for data retention with high accuracy. Here, we study magnetization reversal mode in the shape-anisotropy MTJ with a 15-nm-thick CoFeB layer by evaluating Δ from two different methods: switching probability and retention time measurements. We find that magnetization reversal coherently proceeds in the 15-nm-thick and X/1X-nm-diameter cylindrical nanomagnet in the shape-anisotropy MTJs, in contrast to the conventional interfacial-anisotropy MTJs with a smaller thickness and larger diameter. The coherent magnetization reversal of the shape-anisotropy MTJ is also confirmed by astroid curve measurements. This study provides insight into the development of ultrasmall and high-reliability MTJ devices.