Field-like torque-induced tunable zero-field spin-torque nano-oscillator

Abstract

The spin-torque nano-oscillator (STNO), which is a novel type of nano-sized microwave oscillator driven by direct current, is considered as a promising candidate for future radio frequency (RF) transceivers owing to its scalability, nanoscale size and high frequency tunability. However, the potential application of STNO is limited because its stable oscillation requires an external magnetic field. In this work, the influences of the field-like torque and applied current intensity on the stable oscillation of STNO with a perpendicularly magnetized free layer are studied theoretically based on the macrospin model (also known as the single-spin or single-domain model) and the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski (LLGS) equation in the absence of magnetic field. It is demonstrated numerically that a stable oscillation of STNO can be observed when the ratio between the field-like torque and the spin torque is a negative value and larger than a certain value that depends on the damping coefficient and the current intensity, whose physical mechanism can be understood by the energy balance equation. Moreover, the frequency of stable oscillation of STNO can be modulated by the ratio between the field-like torque and the spin torque and also by the current intensity. Particularly, the larger the absolute value of the ratio between the field-like torque and the spin torque and the smaller the applied current intensity (above the critical current intensity), the more conducive it is to suppressing the formation of second and third oscillation frequencies, thereby enhancing the STNO’s “single-frequency” feature. Our findings provide a theoretical scheme for realizing a frequency tunable zero-field STNO, which may be useful for designing future RF transceivers.