Spin-transfer dynamics in spin valves with out-of-plane magnetized CoNi free layers

We have measured spin-transfer-induced dynamics in magnetic nanocontact devices having a perpendicularly magnetized Co/Ni free layer and an in-plane magnetized CoFe fixed layer. The frequencies and powers of the excitations agree well with the predictions of the single-domain model and indicate that the excited dynamics correspond to precessional orbits with angles ranging from zero to 90° as the applied current is increased at a fixed field. From measurements of the onset current as a function of applied field strength we estimate the magnitude of the spin torque asymmetry parameter Λ≈1.5 . By combining these with spin torque ferromagnetic resonance measurements, we also estimate the spin-wave radiation loss in these devices