Magnetic materials are already extensively used within data storage systems. Indeed all magnetic sensors within hard disk drives utilize the Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) effect, for which Fert and GrŸnberg received the 2007 Nobel prize in Physics. This project concerns the related Spin Transfer Torque (STT) effect that perhaps has even greater potential for technological exploitation. When an electrical current is passed from one ferromagnet to another, there is a transfer of angular momentum that causes a torque (STT) to be exerted upon the magnetic moment of each layer. The STT can be used to switch the direction of the magnetic moment or send it into a state of continuous oscillation known as precession that leads to the emission of microwaves. Both of these phenomena involve motion on timescales of less than 1 nanosecond. You will study STT induced dynamics in both spin valve and tunnel valve structures by means of high frequency electrical measurements. A spectrum analyzer will be used to detect steady state spin transfer induced precession at frequencies of up to 50 GHz, while a pulse generator and sampling oscilloscope will be used to study the approach to the steady state. By injecting microwaves into the device and exploiting the so-called spin diode effect you will characterize the resonant magnetic modes of the device. These measurements will be compared with vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance (VNA-FMR) measurements performed upon similar structures. The experimental results will be interpreted by comparison with micromagnetic simulations performed with the OOMMF and LLG software packages.