Zero-dc-field rotation-direction-dependent magnetization switching induced by a circularly polarized microwave magnetic field

Abstract Magnetization switching of high-anisotropy nanomagnets by a small magnetic field is a key challenge in developing future magnetic nanodevices. In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate magnetization switching of a perpendicularly magnetized nanomagnet induced solely by an in-plane circularly polarized microwave magnetic field. Applying a microwave field with an amplitude below 5% of the anisotropy field induces large ferromagnetic resonance excitation, which results in magnetization switching even in the absence of a dc field. This kind of magnetization switching is induced by a microwave field with a duration of 0.5 ns and is clearly dependent on the rotation direction of the microwave field