Switching by point-contact spin injection in a continuous film

The observation of current-driven switching by pin-contact spin injection in a continuous Co/Cu/Co film was discussed. Writing and reversible switching of sub-100 nm magnetic elements by spin injection through a metal tip at low temperature and at room temperature (RT) were demonstrated. It was shown that the experimental setup had a Cu tip in contact with the Nb/Co/Cu/Au multilayer and the electrical contacts. The result suggest that the magnetic states written depend on the polarity of the injection currents, and remain stable at room temperature. It was also found that a spin-polarized current from a metal tip can reversibly write a magnetic bit in a continuous magnetic thin film.