Abstract
We study the magnetization dynamics in thin ferromagnetic films and small ferromagnetic particles in contact with paramagnetic conductors. A moving magnetization vector causes "pumping" of spins into adjacent nonmagnetic layers. This spin transfer affects the magnetization dynamics similar to the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert phenomenology. The additional Gilbert damping is significant for small ferromagnets, when the nonmagnetic layers efficiently relax the injected spins, but the effect is reduced when a spin accumulation build-up in the normal metal opposes the spin pumping. The damping enhancement is governed by (and, in turn, can be used to measure) the mixing conductance or spin-torque parameter of the ferromagnet-normal-metal interface. Our theoretical findings are confirmed by agreement with recent experiments in a variety of multilayer systems.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 224403 |
Pages (from-to) | 2244031-22440310 |
Number of pages | 20196280 |
Journal | Physical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics |
Volume | 66 |
Issue number | 22 |
Publication status | Published - 2002 Dec 1 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics