Thermoelectrically Controlled Spin-Switch

The search for novel spintronic devices brings about new ways to control switching in magnetic thin-films. In this work we experimentally demonstrate a device based on thermoelectrically controlled exchange coupling. The read out signal from a giant magnetoresistance element is controlled by exchange coupling through a weakly ferromagnetic Ni-Cu alloy. This exchange coupling is shown to vary strongly with changes in temperature, and both internal Joule heating and external heating is used to demonstrate magnetic switching. The device shows no degradation upon thermal cycling. Ways to further optimize the device performance are discussed. Our experimental results show a new way to thermoelectrically control magnetic switching in multilayers.