Spin-transfer-induced magnetization switching in tunnel junctions with nanocurrent channels

Spin-transfer-induced magnetization switching processes are evidenced by the "snapshots" of magnetic configurations for junctions containing nanocurrent channels (NCCs). The switching behaviors are found to be closely related to the NCC size and its actual location. Both the switching time t and critical current density Jc decrease with the increase of NCC size. Faster switching and lower Jc are observed for NCC located in the center. This work suggests a reasonable design frame to efficiently manipulate the Jc reduction and fast switching in practical spin-transfer-switched devices.