Nonlinear dynamics of magnetization evolution in orthogonal spin torque devices: Phases and classification

The magnetization evolution of the free layer in an orthogonal spin torque device is studied based on a macrospin model. The trajectory of the magnetization vector under various conditions has shown rich nonlinear properties. The phase diagram is obtained in the parameter spaces of current density and the polarization distribution (the ratio of polarization of in-plane to out-of-plane layers), where two critical currents and three phases are found. These dynamic phases can be classified according to their nonlinear behaviors, which are different in terms of limit cycles and limit points. The classification is meaningful to design ultra-fast spin torque devices under different dynamic conditions toward various applications, such as in memory and oscillators.