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At least 127 records · Page 7

Direct and indirect spin current generation and spin-orbit torques in ferromagnet/nonmagnet/ferromagnet trilayers

Spin-orbit torques in ferromagnet/nonmagnet/ferromagnet trilayers are studied using a combination of symmetry analysis, circuit theory, semiclassical simulations, and first-principles calculations using the nonequilibrium Green's function method with supercell disorder averaging. Here, we focus on unconventional processes involving the interplay between the two ferromagnetic layers, which are classified into direct and indirect mechanisms. The direct mechanism involves spin current generation by one ferromagnetic layer and its subsequent absorption by the other. In the indirect mechanism, the in-plane spin-polarized current from one ferromagnetic layer “leaks” into the other layer, where it is converted into an out-of-plane spin current and reabsorbed by the original layer. The direct mechanism results in a predominantly dampinglike torque, which damps the magnetization towards a certain direction 𝐬 𝑑 . The indirect mechanism results in a predominantly fieldlike torque with respect to a generally different direction 𝐬 𝑓 . Similarly to the current-in-plane giant magnetoresistance, the indirect mechanism is only active if the thickness of the nonmagnetic spacer is smaller than or comparable to the mean free path. Numerical calculations for a semiclassical model based on the Boltzmann equation confirm the presence of both direct and indirect mechanisms of spin current generation. First-principles calculations reveal sizable unconventional spin-orbit torques in Co/Cu/Co, Py/Cu/Py, and Co/Pt/Co trilayers and provide strong evidence of indirect spin current generation.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Large Spin-Orbit Torque in 𝑎-Plane 𝛼−Fe 2 ⁢O 3 /Pt Bilayers

Realization of efficient spin-orbit torque switching of the Neel vector in insulating antiferromagnets is a challenge, often complicated by spurious effects. Quantifying the spin-orbit torques in antiferromagnet or heavy metal heterostructures is an important first step toward this goal. Here, we employ magneto-optic techniques to study damping-like spin-orbit torque (DL-SOT) in a-plane α-Fe 2 O 3 (hematite) with a Pt spin-orbit overlayer. We find that the DL-SOT efficiency is 2 orders of magnitude larger than reported in c- and r-plane hematite/Pt using harmonic Hall techniques. The large magnitude of DL-SOT is supported by direct imaging of current-induced motion of antiferromagnetic domains that happens at moderate current densities. Furthermore, our study introduces a new method for quantifying spin-orbit torque in antiferromagnets with a small canted moment and identifies a-plane α-Fe 2 O 3 as a promising candidate to realize efficient SOT switching.

Antiferromagnetism↗

Spin–orbit torque switching of a ferromagnet with picosecond electrical pulses

The development of approaches that can efficiently control the magnetization of magnetic materials is central to the creation of fast and low-power spintronic devices. Spin transfer torque can be used to electrically manipulate magnetic order in devices, but is typically limited to nanosecond timescales. Alternatively, spin–orbit torque can be employed, and switching with current pulses down to ~200 ps has been demonstrated. However, the upper limit to magnetization switching speed remains unestablished. Here, we show that photoconductive switches can be used to apply 6-ps-wide electrical pulses and deterministically switch the out-of-plane magnetization of a common thin cobalt film via spin–orbit torque. We probe the ultrafast magnetization dynamics due to spin–orbit torques with sub-picosecond resolution using the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE). We also estimate that the magnetization switching consumes less than 50 pJ in micrometre-sized devices.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Temperature-dependent anisotropic magnetoresistance and spin-torque-driven vortex dynamics in a single microdisk

Spin-orbit-torque-driven dynamics have recently gained interest in the field of magnetism due to the reduced requirement of current densities and an increase in efficiency, as well as the ease of implementation of different devices and materials. From a practical point of view, the low-frequency dynamics below 1GHz is particularly interesting since dynamics associated with magnetic domains lie in this frequency range. While spin-torque excitation of high-frequency modes has been extensively studied, the intermediate low-frequency dynamics have received less attention, although spin torques could potentially be used for both manipulation of the spin texture and the excitation of dynamics. In this paper, we demonstrate that it is possible to drive magnetic vortex dynamics in a single microdisk by spin-Hall torque at varying temperatures and relate the results to transport properties. We find that the gyrotropic mode of the core couples to the low-frequency microwave signal and produces a measurable voltage. The dynamic measurements are in agreement with magnetic transport measurements and are supported by micromagnetic simulations. Our results open the door for integrating magnetic vortex devices in spintronic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Comparison of Doppler back-scattering and charge exchange measurements of E × B plasma rotation in the DIII-D tokamak under varying torque conditions

Measurements of the E × B toroidal angular velocity, $\omega_{E \times B}\,=\,E_\mathrm{r}/RB_\theta$ ($E_\mathrm{r}$ is the radial electric field, B θ is the poloidal magnetic field), are made using the Doppler back-scattering (DBS) and charge-exchange recombination (CER) spectroscopy diagnostics. DBS uses the Doppler shift of wavenumber-resolved density fluctuations while CER uses the Doppler shift of impurity emission lines to independently measure plasma parameters for calculating the local radial electric field. DBS and CER profiles of $\omega_{E \times B}$ as a function of normalized toroidal flux (ρ) are compared at various levels of neutral beam applied torque on the plasma. Under standard neoclassical theory $\omega_{E\times B}$ is a flux surface quantity, making it appropriate to compare across diagnostics. DBS and CER generally show good agreement when comparing $\omega_{E \times B}$ profiles at different levels of neutral beam injection-applied torque. Furthermore, the DBS values have close to the same precision as CER values when averaged over a similar time-scale and effects, such as prompt-torque are considered. DBS is able to observe the rapid ($\lt$10 ms) modification of the $E_\mathrm{r}$ profile by the diagnostic neutral beam 'blips'. This modification is most pronounced when the blip applies a large relative change in torque on the plasma. Overall, these results could have implications on transport analysis and suggests using DBS and CER in conjunction to constrain values of the E × B-shear (sometimes called $\gamma_{E \times B}$).

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Spin Change of Asteroid 2012 TC4 Probably by Radiation Torques

Asteroid 2012 TC4 is a small (∼10 m) near-Earth object that was observed during its Earth close approaches in 2012 and 2017. Earlier analyses of light curves revealed its excited rotation state. We collected all available photometric data from the two apparitions to reconstruct its rotation state and convex shape model. We show that light curves from 2012 and 2017 cannot be fitted with a single set of model parameters; the rotation and precession periods are significantly different for these two data sets, and they must have changed between or during the two apparitions. Nevertheless, we could fit all light curves with a dynamically self-consistent model assuming that the spin states of 2012 TC4 in 2012 and 2017 were different. To interpret our results, we developed a numerical model of its spin evolution in which we included two potentially relevant perturbations: (i) gravitational torque due to the Sun and Earth and (ii) radiation torque, known as the Yarkovsky–O’Keefe–Radzievskii–Paddack (YORP) effect. Despite our model simplicity, we found that the role of gravitational torques is negligible. Instead, we argue that the observed change of its spin state may be plausibly explained as a result of the YORP torque. To strengthen this interpretation, we verify that (i) the internal energy dissipation due to material inelasticity and (ii) an impact with a sufficiently large interplanetary particle are both highly unlikely causes of its observed spin state change. If true, this is the first case where the YORP effect has been detected for a tumbling body.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Dimensionless Parameter Scaling of Intrinsic Torque in C-Mod Enhanced Confinement Plasmas

A dimensionless parameter dependence study of intrinsic torque has been performed on a database of H- and I-mode plasmas from the Alcator C-Mod tokamak. The torque was determined by comparing intrinsic angular momentum density profiles just before and just after L-H and L-I transitions. The intrinsic torque has been found to scale as beta_N^1.5 rho_*^-1.0 nu_$^0.1, with the parameter ranges 0.3 < beta_N <1.5, 0.004 < rho_* < 0.011 and 0.04 < nu_* < 0.9. Comparison with results from other tokamaks suggests that the intrinsic torque should be normalized by some measure of the device size.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Magnetically controlled torque wrench prevents overtorquing

Magnetically controlled torque wrench produces the required torque values accurately, and prevents overtorquing. The force between a magnet and a soft iron bar on the arms of the wrench constitutes a predetermined maximum torque that cannot be exceeded. So long as the magnetic flux remain constant, the torque remains the same.

Rohrer, J. A.↗

Computer simulation for attitude disturbance torques for the Tiros-series.

Description of the Tiros-M Magnetic Attitude Prediction Program (TMMGAP), a simulation program designed to assist in the rotational motion control of the Tiros-series spacecraft. The subsystems of the program include input, attitude simulation, executive, attitude control and output components, simulating solar radiation pressure torque, gravity gradient torque, residual magnetic moment torque, and magnetic attitude control torques. The program provides data for prelaunch studies for launch window selection and mission planning, facilitates spacecraft spin axis reorientation after launch, provides spin axis control recommendations to meet mission constraints, and assists in the interpretation of cloud cover data. The program is characterized as effective in controlling spin axis and in processing picture data.

Sugai, I.↗

Zero torque gear head wrench

A gear head wrench particularly suited for use in applying torque to bolts without transferring torsional stress to bolt-receiving structures is introduced. The wrench is characterized by a coupling including a socket, for connecting a bolt head with a torque multiplying gear train, provided within a housing having an annulus concentrically related to the socket and adapted to be coupled with a spacer interposed between the bolt head and the juxtaposed surface of the bolt-receiving structure for applying a balancing counter-torque to the spacer as torque is applied to the bolt head whereby the bolt-receiving structure is substantially isolated from torsional stress. As a result of the foregoing, the operator of the wrench is substantially isolated from any forces which may be imposed.

Mcdougal, A. R.↗

Stellar rotation and the thermomagnetic torque

It is noted that any reasonable assumption for the rotation rates of the interstellar clouds which must collapse to produce stars will result in stars which rotate much faster than suggested by observations if angular momentum is conserved throughout the collapse. The contribution of thermomagnetic torque, which can exist when a rarefied gas of polyatomic molecules is subjected to a magnetic field and a nonuniform temperature gradient, to the angular momentum of a collapsing protostellar object is examined in order to determine whether the magnitude of this torque is sufficient to slow down contracting protostellar clouds. Calculations are performed for two times during protostellar collapse when conditions may be favorable for thermomagnetic torque to play a role in angular-momentum considerations. The results indicate that this torque is apparently of no importance in determining or modifying stellar rotation during the early stages of stellar evolution.

Spear, G. G.↗

Fourth-order acoustic torque in intense sound fields

The observation of a fourth-order acoustic torque in intense sound fields is reported. The torque was determined by measuring the acoustically induced angular deflection of a polished cylinder suspended by a torsion fiber. This torque was measured in a sound field of amplitude greater than that in which first-order acoustic torque has been observed.

Wang, T. G.↗

Torques on a nearly rigid body in a relativistic gravitational field

The effect of post-Newtonian potentials on the rotation of a nearly rigid body is shown to consist of a precession and a torque. The frequency of the precession can be exactly represented by means of suitable differential operators. The relativistic torques in the quadrupole approximation depend on the instantaneous orientation of the principal axes of one body with respect to the position like the classical torque and velocity of the other. For a relatively low mass body, such as a gyroscope, these velocity-dependent torques have no observable consequences.

Caporali, A.↗

Yielding Torque-Tube System Reduces Crash Injuries

Yielding torque-tube system minimizes injuries by limiting load transferred to occupant in crash. When properly integrated into seat structure, torque tube yields in plastic deformation stage of material and maintains a relatively constant resistance to applied torque for many degrees of rotation. Yielding torque-tube system is expected to find application in aircraft and automobile industries.

Mcsmith, D. G.↗

Torques on a nearly rigid body in a relativistic gravitational field

The effect of post-Newtonian potentials on the rotation of a perfect fluid, nearly rigid body is shown to consist of a precession and a torque. The frequency of the precession can be exactly represented by means of suitable differential operators. The relativistic torques, in the quadrupole approximation, depend on the instantaneous orientation of the principal axes of one body with respect to the position - like the classical torque - and velocity of the other. For a relatively low-mass body, such as a gyroscope, these velocity-dependent torques have no observable consequences.

Caporali, A.↗

Torque Compensator for Mirror Mountings

Device nulls flexural distributions of pivotal torques. Magnetic compensator for flexing pivot torque consists of opposing fixed and movable magnet bars. Magnetic torque varies nonlinearly as function of angle of tilt of movable bar. Positions of fixed magnets changed to improve magnetic torque linearity.

Howe, S. D.↗

Measuring Gearbox Torque Loss

Accuracy increased by measuring small torque differences directly. Input and output torques are balanced by mechanical linkage in transmission-testing apparatus. Force applied to load cell proportional to frictional torque loss in transmission. Apparatus measures portion of input torque lost to friction in automotive transmissions or other gearbox. Apparatus more sensitive than previous measuring systems.

Schmidt, L. F.↗

Wind-tunnel investigation at supersonic speeds of a remote-controlled canard missile with a free-rolling-tail brake torque system

Wind tunnel tests were conducted at Mach numbers 1.70, 2.16, and 2.86 to determine the static aerodynamic characteristics of a cruciform canard-controlled missile with fixed or free rolling tailfin afterbodies. Mechanical coupling effects of the free-rolling-tail afterbody were investigated by using an electronic electromagnetic brake system providing arbitrary tail-fin brake torques with continuous measurements of tail-to-mainframe torque and tail roll rate. Remote-controlled canards were deflected to provide pitch, yaw, and roll control. Results indicate that the induced rolling moment coefficients due to canard yaw control are reduced and linearized for the free-rolling-tail (free-tail) configuration. The canards of the latter provide conventional roll control for the entire angle-of-attack test range. For the free-tail configuration, the induced rolling moment coefficient due to canard yaw control increased and the canard roll control decreased with increases in brake torque, which simulated bearing friction torque. It appears that a compromise in regard to bearing friction, for example, low-cost bearings with some friction, may allow satisfactory free-tail aerodynamic characteristics that include reductions in adverse rolling-moment coefficients and lower tail roll rates.

Blair, A. B., Jr.↗