Quantitative studies of spin-momentum-transfer-induced excitations in Co/Cu multilayer films using point-contact spectroscopy

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Abstract
We have measured current-induced magnetic excitations in a variety of exchange-coupled Co/Cu multilayers using point-contact spectroscopy. A step in the dc resistance and corresponding peak in dV/dI are observed at a critical current Ic whose value depends linearly on applied magnetic field Bapp′ in agreement with Slonczewski’s theory. These features are observed for both in- and out-of-plane fields. Excitations in ferromagnetically coupled films occur even without an applied field. The spin transfer efficiency is determined from the slope and intercept of Ic vs Bapp and varied from contact to contact. For out of plane magnetized samples, the deduced spin transfer efficiency values are in good agreement with the predictions of Slonczewski.

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