A new analytical/numerical combined method for the calculation of the magnetic energy barrier in a nanostructured synthetic antiferromagnet

Abstract

An analytical/numerical combined method is used in this study to calculate the magnetic energy barrier of a nanostructured synthetic antiferromagnet, Co-Fe-B (2 nm)/Ru (0.6 nm)/Co-Fe-B (2 nm), with lateral dimensions of 160 nm x 80 nm. A key to the method is the use of the effective magnetostatic fields which are acquired by averaging over the entire magnetic layers. These effective fields are then used as inputs in an analytical equation for the total energy. Systematic calculations are performed, even considering the effects of edge rounding during nanofabrication, and the calculated magnetic energy barriers agree with the experimental value reported in the literature from the current induced magnetization switching experiments obtained by using the Slonczewski equation.