Ferromagnetic resonance excited by interfacial microwave electric field: the role of current-induced torques

Abstract

Abstract Excitation of magnetization dynamics in magnetic materials, especially in ultrathin ferromagnetic films, is of utmost importance for developing various ultrafast spintronics devices. Recently, the excitation of magnetization dynamics, i.e. ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) via electric field-induced modulation of interfacial magnetic anisotropies, has received particular attention due to several advantages, including lower power consumption. However, several additional torques generated by unavoidable microwave current induced because of the capacitive nature of the junctions may also contribute to the excitation of FMR apart from electric field-induced torques. Here, we study the FMR signals excited by applying microwave signal across the metal-oxide junction in CoFeB/MgO heterostructures with Pt and Ta buffer layers. Analysis of the resonance line shape and angular dependent behavior of resonance amplitude revealed that apart from voltage-controlled in-plane magnetic anisotropy (VC-IMA) torque a significant contribution can also arises from spin-torques and Oersted field torques originating from the flow of microwave current through metal-oxide junction. Surprisingly, the overall contribution from spin-torques and Oersted field torques are comparable to the VC-IMA torque contribution, even for a device with negligible defects. This study will be beneficial for designing future electric field-controlled spintronics devices.