Micromagnetic simulation of spin-transfer switching in a full-Heusler Co₂FeAl₀.₅Si₀.₅ alloy spin-valve nanopillar

Abstract

We investigated the spin-transfer switching in a full-Heusler Co₂FeAl₀.₅Si₀.₅ alloy spin-valve nanopillar through micromagnetic simulation. A two-step switching hysteresis loop due to the fourfold in-plane magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Co₂FeAl₀.₅Si₀.₅ layers was obtained. The simulation explains the experimental result of the resistance versus current hysteresis loop and yields good agreement with the measured critical current. Furthermore, the magnetization trajectory and magnetization distribution were shown and analyzed to elucidate the different characters of two-step switching.