159 research outputs found
Frequency Modulation of Spin-Transfer Oscillators
Spin-polarized dc electric current flowing into a magnetic layer can induce
precession of the magnetization at a frequency that depends on current. We show
that addition of an ac current to this dc bias current results in a frequency
modulated (FM) spectral output, generating sidebands spaced at the modulation
frequency. The sideband amplitudes and shift of the center frequency with drive
amplitude are in good agreement with a nonlinear FM model that takes into
account the nonlinear frequency-current relation generally induced by spin
transfer. Single-domain simulations show that ac current modulates the cone
angle of the magnetization precession, in turn modulating the frequency via the
demagnetizing field. These results are promising for communications and signal
processing applications of spin-transfer oscillators.Comment: 13 pages, 3 Figure
Non-white frequency noise in spin torque oscillators and its effect on spectral linewidth
We measure the power spectral density of frequency fluctuations in
nanocontact spin torque oscillators over time scales up to 50 ms. We use a
mixer to convert oscillator signals ranging from 10 GHz to 40 GHz into a band
near 70 MHz before digitizing the time domain waveform. We analyze the waveform
using both zero crossing time stamps and a sliding Fourier transform, discuss
the different limitations and advantages of these two methods, and combine them
to obtain a frequency noise spectrum spanning more than five decades of Fourier
frequency . For devices having a free layer consisting of either a single
NiFe layer or a Co/Ni multilayer we find a
frequency noise spectrum that is white at large and varies as \emph{}
at small . The crossover frequency ranges from \approx\unit[10^{4}]{Hz} to
\approx\unit[10^{6}]{Hz} and the component is stronger in the
multilayer devices. Through actual and simulated spectrum analyzer
measurements, we show that frequency noise causes both broadening and a
change in shape of the oscillator's spectral line as measurement time
increases. Our results indicate that the long term stability of spin torque
oscillators cannot be accurately predicted from models based on thermal (white)
noise sources
Theory of Magnetodynamics Induced by Spin Torque in Perpendicularly Magnetized Thin Films
A nonlinear model of spin wave excitation using a point contact in a thin
ferromagnetic film is introduced. Large-amplitude magnetic solitary waves are
computed, which help explain recent spin-torque experiments. Numerical
simulations of the fully nonlinear model predict excitation frequencies in
excess of 0.2 THz for contact diameters smaller than 6 nm. Simulations also
predict a saturation and red shift of the frequency at currents large enough to
invert the magnetization under the point contact. The theory is approximated by
a cubic complex Ginzburg-Landau type equation. The mode's nonlinear frequency
shift is found by use of perturbation techniques, whose results agree with
those of direct numerical simulations.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, submitted to PR
HIV in Children in a General Population Sample in East Zimbabwe: Prevalence, Causes and Effects
There are an estimated half-million children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. The predominant source of infection is presumed to be perinatal mother-to-child transmission, but general population data about paediatric HIV are sparse. We characterise the epidemiology of HIV in children in sub-Saharan Africa by describing the prevalence, possible source of infection, and effects of paediatric HIV in a southern African population.From 2009 to 2011, we conducted a household-based survey of 3389 children (aged 2-14 years) in Manicaland, eastern Zimbabwe (response rate: 73.5%). Data about socio-demographic correlates of HIV, risk factors for infection, and effects on child health were analysed using multi-variable logistic regression. To assess the plausibility of mother-to-child transmission, child HIV infection was linked to maternal survival and HIV status using data from a 12-year adult HIV cohort.HIV prevalence was (2.2%, 95% CI: 1.6-2.8%) and did not differ significantly by sex, socio-economic status, location, religion, or child age. Infected children were more likely to be underweight (19.6% versus 10.0%, p = 0.03) or stunted (39.1% versus 30.6%, p = 0.04) but did not report poorer physical or psychological ill-health. Where maternal data were available, reported mothers of 61/62 HIV-positive children were deceased or HIV-positive. Risk factors for other sources of infection were not associated with child HIV infection, including blood transfusion, vaccinations, caring for a sick relative, and sexual abuse. The observed flat age-pattern of HIV prevalence was consistent with UNAIDS estimates which assumes perinatal mother-to-child transmission, although modelled prevalence was higher than observed prevalence. Only 19/73 HIV-positive children (26.0%) were diagnosed, but, of these, 17 were on antiretroviral therapy.Childhood HIV infection likely arises predominantly from mother-to-child transmission and is associated with poorer physical development. Overall antiretroviral therapy uptake was low, with the primary barrier to treatment appearing to be lack of diagnosis
Experience of primary care for people with HIV: a mixed-method analysis
Background Advances in treatment have transformed HIV into a long-term condition (LTC), presenting fresh challenges for health services, HIV specialists and general practitioners (GPs). Aim To explore the experience of people living with HIV (PLHIV) regarding using their GPs. Design and setting A mixed-method analysis using data from two sources: a nationally-representative survey of PLHIV and a qualitative study with London-based PLHIV. Methods Univariate logistic regression for quantitative data and Framework analysis for qualitative data. Results The survey had 4,422 participants; the qualitative study included 52 participants. In both studies, GP registration and HIV status disclosure were high. Similar to general population trends, recent GP use was associated with poor self-rated health status, co-morbidities, older age and lower socioeconomic status. Two-thirds reported a good experience with GPs; a lower proportion felt comfortable asking HIV-related questions. Actual or perceived HIV stigma were consistently associated with poor satisfaction. In the interviews, participants with additional LTCs valued sensitive and consistent support from GPs. Some anticipated, and sometimes experienced, problems relating to HIV status, GPs’ limited experience and time to manage their complex needs. Sometimes they took their own initiatives to facilitate coordination and communication. For PLHIV, a ‘good’ GP offered continuity and took time to know and accept them without judgement. Conclusion We suggest clarification of roles and provision of relevant support to build confidence in GPs and primary care staff to care for PLHIV. As PLHIV population ages, there is a strong need to develop trusting patient/GP relationships and HIV-friendly GP practices
Spin transfer switching of spin valve nanopillars using nanosecond pulsed currents
Spin valve nanopillars are reversed via the mechanism of spin momentum
transfer using current pulses applied perpendicular to the film plane of the
device. The applied pulses were varied in amplitude from 1.8 mA to 7.8 mA, and
varied in duration within the range of 100 ps to 200 ns. The probability of
device reversal is measured as a function of the pulse duration for each pulse
amplitude. The reciprocal pulse duration required for 95% reversal probability
is linearly related to the pulse current amplitude for currents exceeding 1.9
mA. For this device, 1.9 mA marks the crossover between dynamic reversal at
larger currents and reversal by thermal activation for smaller currents
Theory of a magnetic microscope with nanometer resolution
We propose a theory for a type of apertureless scanning near field microscopy
that is intended to allow the measurement of magnetism on a nanometer length
scale. A scanning probe, for example a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) tip,
is used to scan a magnetic substrate while a laser is focused on it. The
electric field between the tip and substrate is enhanced in such a way that the
circular polarization due to the Kerr effect, which is normally of order 0.1%
is increased by up to two orders of magnitude for the case of a Ag or W tip and
an Fe sample. Apart from this there is a large background of circular
polarization which is non-magnetic in origin. This circular polarization is
produced by light scattered from the STM tip and substrate. A detailed retarded
calculation for this light-in-light-out experiment is presented.Comment: 17 pages, 8 figure
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