- Physical Review Journals
All JournalsPhysics Magazine

Physical Review B

Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation
  • Letter

Demonstration of electron-mediated voltage-controlled exchange coupling in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions

Qi Jia1, Yu-Chia Chen1, Delin Zhang1, Yang Lv1, Shuang Liang2, Onri Jay Benally1, Yifei Yang1, Brahmdutta Dixit1, Deyuan Lyu1 et al.

Brandon Zink1 and Jian-Ping Wang1,*

  • 1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, 200 Union St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
  • 2Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 421 Washington Ave. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA

  • *Contact author: jpwang@umn.edu
PDF

Phys. Rev. B 113, L020402 – Published 7 January, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/k5fp-8c5p

Abstract

Electron-mediated voltage control of exchange coupling (EM-VCEC) has been proposed as a mechanism for magnetization switching via modulation of spin-dependent electron reflection. However, its experimental verification has been challenging due to the coexistence of slower, voltage-induced ionic effects. Here, we fabricate magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) devices that enable nanosecond timescale voltage application. Our results reveal rapid exchange coupling modulation on the nanosecond timescale, consistent with an electronic origin. The observed enhancement and saturation at low temperatures further rule out ionic migration, conclusively confirming the electronic nature of the mechanism. These results establish EM-VCEC as a viable mechanism for fast and energy-efficient voltage-driven magnetic switching.

View figure in article

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Authorization Required

We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

Other Options

Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

References (Subscription Required)

Outline

Information

Phys. Rev. B 113, L020402– Published 7 January, 2026
  • Received 24 July 2025
  • Revised 5 November 2025
  • Accepted 9 December 2025
Article part of CHORUS
Accepted manuscript will be available starting 7 January, 2027.
Crossmark - Check for updates button

©2026 American Physical Society

Sign In to Your Journals Account

Filter

Filter

Article Lookup

Enter a citation