Dynamical stability by spin transfer in nearly isotropic magnets
Spin transfer torques (STTs) control magnetization by electric currents, enabling a range of nano-scale spintronic applications. They can destabilize the equilibrium magnetization state by counteracting magnetic relaxation. Here we maximize the STT effect through a dedicated growth-annealing protocol for CoFeB thin films, such that magnetic anisotropies originating from the interface and shape almost cancel each other. The nearly isotropic magnets enable low-current dynamical stabilization of the magnetization in the direction opposite to an applied magnetic field, thereby realizing a spintronic analogue of the Kapitza pendulum. In an intermediate current regime, the STT drives large magnetization vector fluctuations that cover the entire Bloch sphere. The continuous variable associated with the stochastic magnetization direction may serve as a resource for probabilistic computing and neuromorphic hardware. Our results establish isotropic magnets as a platform to study as-yet-uncharted, far-from-equilibrium spin dynamics including anti-magnonics, with promising implications for unconventional computing paradigms.
Authors
- Kei Yamamoto (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9888-4796)
- Varun K. Kushwaha (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6344-4264)
- Troy Dion (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2235-9204)
- Xueyao Hou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4789-5262)
- Kilian D. Stenning (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0955-3640)
- Harry Youel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3004-6367)
- Gerrit E. W. Bauer
- Daniel Prestwood
- Joseph Barker
- Takumi Yamazaki
- Takeshi Seki
Institutions
- Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JP)
- University of Leeds (GB)
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN)
- Tohoku University (JP)
- London Centre for Nanotechnology (GB)
- Advanced Institute of Materials Science (JP)
- Kavli Institute for Theoretical Sciences (CN)
- Spintronics Research Network of Japan (JP)
- The London College (GB)
- University College London (GB)
- Imperial College London (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Nature Materials
- Published
- 2026-03-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41563-026-02510-z
- Primary Topic
- Magnetic properties of thin films
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Leverhulme Trust
- Imperial College London
- University of Leeds
- Science Foundation Ireland
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
- Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University
- Division of Materials Research
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology