Non-uniform superlattice magnetic tunnel junctions

Abstract

We propose a new class of non-uniform superlattice magnetic tunnel junctions (Nu-SLTJs) with the linear, Gaussian, Lorentzian, and Pöschl–Teller width and height based profiles manifesting a sizable enhancement in the TMR (≈104 − 106%) with a significant suppression in the switching bias (≈9 folds) owing to the physics of broad-band spin filtering. By exploring the negative differential resistance region in the current–voltage characteristics of the various Nu-SLTJs, we predict the Nu-SLTJs offer fastest spin transfer torque switching in the order of a few hundred picoseconds. We self-consistently employ the atomistic non-equilibrium Green’s function formalism coupled with the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert–Slonczewski equation to evaluate the device performance of the various Nu-SLTJs. We also present the design of minimal three-barrier Nu-SLTJs having significant TMR (≈104%) and large spin current for the ease of device fabrication. We hope that the class of Nu-SLTJs proposed in this work may lay the bedrock to embark on the exhilarating voyage of exploring various non-uniform superlattices for the next generation of spintronic devices.