Observation of Magnetic Droplets in Magnetic Tunnel Junctions

Abstract: Magnetic droplets, a class of highly non-linear magnetodynamical solitons, can be nucleated and stabilized in nanocontact spin-torque nano-oscillators where they greatly increase the microwave output power. Here, we experimentally demonstrate magnetic droplets in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). The droplet nucleation is accompanied by a power increase of over 300 times compared to its ferromagnetic resonance modes. The nucleation and stabilization of droplets are ascribed to the double-CoFeB free layer structure in the all-perpendicular MTJ which provides a low Zhang-Li torque and a high pinning field. Our results enable better electrical sensitivity in the fundamental studies of droplets and show that the droplets can be utilized in MTJ-based applications.