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Nb and its compounds are widely used in quantum computing due to their high superconducting transition temperatures and high critical fields. Devices that combine superconducting performance and spintronic non-volatility could deliver unique functionality. Here we report the study of magnetic tunnel junctions with Nb as the heavy metal layers. An interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy density of 1.85 mJ/m2 was obtained in Nb/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures. The tunneling magnetoresistance was evaluated in junctions with different thickness combinations and different annealing conditions. An optimized magnetoresistance of 120% was obtained at room temperature, with a damping parameter of 0.011 determined by ferromagnetic resonance. In addition, spin-transfer torque switching has also been successfully observed in these junctions with a quasistatic switching current density of 7.3*10^5 A/cm2.

Perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction with MgAl2O4 barrier is investigated. It is found that reactive RF sputtering with O2 is essential to obtain strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and large tunneling magnetoresistance in MgAl2O4-based junctions. An interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy density of 2.25 mJ/m2 is obtained for the samples annealed at 400C. An enhanced magnetoresistance of 60% has also been achieved. The Vhalf, bias voltage at which tunneling magnetoresistance drops to half of the zero-bias value, is found to be about 1V, which is substantially higher than that of MgO-based junctions.