Numerical study of the magnetization reversal driven by spin-polarized current in MgO-based magnetic tunnel junctions

This paper presents micromagnetic simulations of the reversal mechanism in a magnetic tunnel junction with MgO tunnel barrier. The reversal occurs via a nucleation process in three steps similar to the one simulated in spin valves. The effect of a pinhole located in the centre of the tunnel burrier has been studied; in this case the reversal mechanism is different.