Spin-Transfer Torque (Current-Driven Magnetization Switching)
1996Slonczewski, "Current-driven excitation of magnetic multilayers" (Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials 159, L1-L7, June 1996; DOI 10.1016/0304-8853(96)00062-5). Predicted that a spin-polarized electric current passing through a magnetic multilayer exerts a torque that can excite or reverse the magnetization of a layer, so a bit can be written with current instead of a magnetic field. L. Berger's "Emission of spin waves by a magnetic multilayer traversed by a current" (Physical Review B 54, 9353-9358, October 1996; OpenAlex W2014987330) is a closely related analysis published the same year and is recorded here, not as a second node (Tier 1 SS4). Basis of STT-MRAM.
Originators
- John C. Slonczewski
Landmark Paper
Checked 2026-11-02 — interim signal only, see docs/BASIC_ROADMAP.md Phase 10
Connections
- competes with Spin-Orbit Torque Switching of a Single Magnetic Layerbasis: reasoned
Spin-transfer torque and spin-orbit torque are two current-driven ways to write a magnetic bit; SOT separates the write path from the tunnel barrier and is pursued as the lower-power, faster alternative. A competing-mechanism relation, not a dependency. Reasoned, not a verified citation.
- enables Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM)basis: reasoned
STT-MRAM, the product Everspin sells in volume, writes a bit by passing spin-polarized current through the junction, the effect Slonczewski predicted. Reasoned dependency, not a verified citation. Tier 1 SS9: the only edge from this node into the applied tree.
- is precursor to Current-Driven Magnetization Reversal in Co/Cu/Co Pillarsbasis: reasoned
Katine et al. test the spin-transfer effect that Slonczewski's 1996 paper predicted, in Co/Cu/Co pillars, and its abstract describes testing competing theories for the mechanism. The abstract does not name Slonczewski, so this is a reasoned theory-to-experiment link, not a verified citation.
Cross-Domain Connections
No verified cross-domain connections indexed for Spin-Transfer Torque (Current-Driven Magnetization Switching) yet. Verified links are admitted under FSTP epistemic audit standards.