Spin-torque switching in Py/Cu/Py and Py/Cu/CoPt spin-valve nanopillars

Abstract The magnetization reversal in Py–Cu–Py and Py–Cu–CoPt trilayers of elliptical cross-section having roughly a 2:1 aspect ratio has been investigated by means of a micromagnetic simulation framework. The analysis focuses on the dependence on both the external field orientation and the perpendicular magnetocrystalline anisotropy. These parameters affect the spatial distribution of the magnetization during the reversal processes yielding to different nucleation mechanisms. Furthermore, our results suggest a strategy to decrease the switching time considering a material exhibiting perpendicular anisotropy in the free layer (FL).