Bi-stable toggle switching in magnetic tunnel junctions using sub-nanosecond Joule heat pulses

In this study, bi-stable toggle magnetization switching in magnetic tunnel junctions induced by electrically injected sub-nanosecond unipolar heat pulses was demonstrated. The switching probability of magnetization between bi-stable states was estimated by applying 0.5 ns voltage pulses and measuring the perpendicular component of the magnetization direction. The maximum switching probability was approximately 70%, suggesting that bi-stable toggle magnetization switching was induced by the torque created by the Joule-heat-induced magnetic anisotropy change. Joule-heat-driven magnetization switching has the potential to become a fundamental technology for fast spin control.