A three-terminal spin-torque-driven magnetic switch

A three-terminal spin-torque-driven magnetic switch is experimentally demonstrated. The device uses nonlocal spin current and spin accumulation as the main mechanism for current-driven magnetic switching. It separates the current-induced write operation from that of a magnetic tunnel junction based read. The write current only passes through metallic structures, improving device reliability. The device structure makes efficient use of lithography capabilities, important for robust process integration. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.