Magnetization reversal by spin-transfer torque in 90° configuration with a perpendicular spin polarizer

The effect of spin-transfer torque in 90 degrees magnetization configuration on current-induced magnetization reversal was studied in current-perpendicular-to-plane giant magnetoresistance pillars of in-plane magnetized FePt/Au/FePt trilayers combined with an L1(0)-FePt perpendicular spin polarizer. The resistance change associated with the transition of the alignment of the two in-plane magnetizations was observed, showing no significant difference in the magnitude from that of a pillar without the perpendicular spin polarizer. However, the spin-transfer torque from the perpendicular spin polarizer reduced the current density for the magnetization reversal of the in-plane magnetization. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.