Bifurcation in precessional switching

We explore the precessional motion of the magnetization vector in a model magnetic element. We find that the Landau-Lifshitz equation governing this motion allows trajectories of the magnetization vector to bifurcate. This yet unknown phenomenon is accompanied by a slowing down of the precessional motion and an abrupt shrinking of the size of the trajectory of the precessing magnetization. We discuss the implication of bifurcation for future devices using precessional switching and suggest how magnetic elements showing the classical phenomenon of bifurcation can be tuned to act as quantum bits. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.