Spin–orbit torques and magnetization switching in Gd/Fe multilayers generated by current injection in NiCu alloys

Abstract

Light transition metals have recently emerged as a sustainable material class for efficient spin–charge interconversion. We report measurements of current-induced spin–orbit torques generated by Ni1−xCux alloys in perpendicularly magnetized ferrimagnetic Gd/Fe multilayers. We show that the spin–orbit torque efficiency of Ni1−xCux increases with the Ni/Cu atomic ratio, reaching values comparable to those of Pt for Ni55Cu45. Furthermore, we demonstrate magnetization switching of a 20-nm-thick Gd/Fe multilayer with a threshold current that decreases with increasing Ni concentration, similar to the spin–orbit torque efficiency. Our findings show that Ni1−xCux−based magnetic heterostructures allow for efficient control of the magnetization by electric currents.