Current-induced Magnetization Switching Research Articles

Enhanced current-induced torque efficiency in Pt/Co/Tb/Cr structures through the synergistic action of orbital torque effect

We investigated the impact on the spin–orbit torque (SOT) efficiency by varying the thickness of the Cr and Tb layers in the Pt/Co/Tb/Cr system. The harmonic Hall voltage measurement shows that the Tb insert layer effectively enhances the damping-like (DL) torque efficiency, which is ascribed to the conversion of the orbital current to spin current in the Tb layer. Additionally, by fitting the Cr thickness dependence of the measured DL torque efficiency with an orbital current diffusion model, we obtained the orbital diffusion length of the Cr layer of 5.3 ± 0.3 nm and the effective orbital Hall angle of −0.18 ± 0.01. Furthermore, current-induced magnetization switching measurement suggested that the critical switching current density decreases with the insertion of the Tb layer and the increasing Cr layer thickness. Our findings offer valuable insights into the improvement of SOT efficiency by utilizing the orbital current effect and open avenues for developing energy-efficient spintronics devices.

Energy efficiency analysis of spin–orbit torque MRAM using composition dependent resistivity and spin Hall angle in Pt/W multilayer structure

Current-induced magnetization switching through spin–orbit torque (SOT) enables low-energy and high-speed switching of magnetic memory (MRAM), positioning SOT-MRAM as a promising candidate for next-generation memory technology. As energy consumption in data computation has become a major challenge in the 21st century, significant efforts have been dedicated to developing energy-efficient memory devices. To optimize SOT-MRAM for energy efficiency, achieving a high spin Hall angle (SHA) has been regarded as essential, as a high SHA indicates efficient spin current generation. However, while previous studies have focused on increasing SHA, this has often led to increased resistivity, which may hinder overall energy efficiency in SOT-MRAM. We propose that resistivity is almost as important as SHA in determining the energy efficiency of SOT-MRAM. In this study, we analyze the effects of both SHA and resistivity in SOT channel materials, which can be modulated by adjusting the composition of Pt and W in Pt/W multilayers. We observed that varying the Pt and W compositions resulted in non-linear changes in both SHA and resistivity, suggesting that evaluating energy efficiency based solely on SHA may be misleading. Thus, we introduce a figure of merit, ξ=ρθSH2, which represents the combined impact of SHA and resistivity on SOT-MRAM energy efficiency. We hope that our findings reveal the importance of considering both SHA and resistivity in the development of energy-efficient SOT-MRAM.

Strain-controlled current-induced magnetization switching in flexible spin-orbit torque device

Strain-controlled current-induced magnetization switching in flexible spin-orbit torque device

Large Spin Hall Efficiency and Current-Induced Magnetization Switching in Ferromagnetic Heusler Alloy Co2MnAl-Based Magnetic Trilayers.

The spin Hall efficiency (ξ) is a crucial parameter that evaluates the charge-to-spin conversion capability of a material, and thus materials with higher ξ are highly desirable in spin-orbittorque (SOT) devices. Recent studies have highlighted the use of ferromagnetic materials as robust spin sources, paving the way for the development of more efficient SOT devices. To accelerate this innovation, it is essential to pursue ferromagnetic materials of high ξ. Here the experimental observation of a large spin Hall efficiency is reported in ferromagnetic Heusler alloy Co2MnAl (CMA)-based magnetic trilayers. Utilizing the current-induced hysteresis loop shift technique, the spin Hall efficiency is determined to be 0.077 for the B2-phase and 0.029 for the disordered CMA. Notably, magnetization switching both with and without the application of an external auxiliary magnetic field were achieved in these trilayers. The enhancement of ξ is attributed to the formation of chemical ordering in CMA. These findings provide new avenues for the development of ferromagnet-based SOT devices.

Current-Induced Field-Free Switching of Co/Pt Multilayer via Modulation of Interlayer Exchange Coupling and Magnetic Anisotropy.

Current-induced field-free magnetic switching using spin-orbit torque has been an important topic for decades due to both academic and industrial interest. Most research has focused on introducing symmetry breakers, such as geometrical and compositional variation, pinned layers, and symmetry-broken crystal structures, which add complexity to the magnetic structure and fabrication process. We designed a relatively simple magnetic structure, composed of a [Co/Pt] multilayer and a Co layer with perpendicular and in-plane magnetic anisotropy, respectively, with a Cu layer between them. Current-induced deterministic magnetic switching was observed in this magnetic system. The system is advantageous due to its easy control of the parameters to achieve the optimal condition for magnetic switching. The balance between magnetic anisotropic strength and interlayer coupling strength is found to provide the optimal condition. This simple design and easy adjustability open various possibilities for magnetic structures in spin-based electronics applications using spin-orbit torque.

Using magneto-optical effects in soft X-ray reflectivity to study current driven magnetization reversal

The soft X-ray reflectivity technique is frequently utilized for studying magnetization reversal in thin films due to its elemental and depth sensitivity. The characteristic hysteresis loops measured with this technique are dependent on both the magnetization direction in magnetic materials and the incident soft X-ray polarization. In this note, we have discussed these magneto-optical effects in soft X-ray reflectivity measurements. These effects can be exploited to probe magnetization reversal mechanisms driven by stimuli beyond conventional means of magnetic field. To demonstrate this, we have presented our investigations on current-induced magnetization switching in ferromagnet (FM)/heavy metal(HM) heterostructures.

Perpendicular magnetization switching of RuO2(1 0 0)/[Pt/Co/Pt] multilayers

Perpendicular magnetization switching of RuO2(1 0 0)/[Pt/Co/Pt] multilayers

Chemical Trends of the Bulk and Surface Termination-Dependent Electronic Structure of Metal-Intercalated Transition Metal Dichalcogenides.

The addition of metal intercalants into the van der Waals gaps of transition metal dichalcogenides has shown great promise as a method for controlling their functional properties. For example, chiral helimagnetic states, current-induced magnetization switching, and a giant valley-Zeeman effect have all been demonstrated, generating significant renewed interest in this materials family. Here, we present a combined photoemission and density-functional theory study of three such compounds: , , and , to investigate chemical trends of the intercalant species on their bulk and surface electronic structure. Our resonant photoemission measurements indicate increased hybridization with the itinerant NbS2-derived conduction states with increasing atomic number of the intercalant, leading to pronounced mixing of the nominally localized intercalant states at the Fermi level. Using spatially and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we show how this impacts surface-termination-dependent charge transfers and leads to the formation of new dispersive states of mixed intercalant-Nb character at the Fermi level for the intercalant-terminated surfaces. This provides an explanation for the origin of anomalous states previously reported in this family of compounds and paves the way for tuning the nature of the magnetic interactions in these systems via control of the hybridization of the magnetic ions with the itinerant states.

Colossal Orbital Current Induced by Gradient Oxidation for High-Efficiency Magnetization Switching.

Orbital angular momentum flow can be used to develop a low-dissipation electronic information device by manipulating the orbital current. However, efficiently generating and fully harnessing orbital currents is a formidable challenge. In this study, an approach is presented that induces a colossal orbital current by gradient oxidation in Pt/Ta to enhance spin-orbit torque (SOT) and achieve high-efficiency magnetization switching. The maximum efficiency of the SOT before and after the gradient oxidation of Ta is improved relative to that of Pt by ≈600 and 1200%, respectively. The large SOT originates from the colossal orbital current because of the orbital Rashba-Edelstein effect induced by the gradient oxidation of Ta. In addition, a large spin-to-charge conversion efficiency is observed in yttrium iron garnet/Pt/TaOx because of the inverse orbital Rashba-Edelstein effect. Harnessing the orbital current can help effectively minimize the critical current density of the current-induced magnetization switching to 2.26-1.08 × 106 Acm-2, marking a 12-fold reduction compared to that using Pt. This findings provide a new path for research on low-dissipation spin-orbit devices and improve the tunability of orbital current generation.

External manipulation of the spin-orbit torque and magnetization switching in gradient CoPd single layer via hydrogen

External manipulation of the spin-orbit torque and magnetization switching in gradient CoPd single layer via hydrogen

Enhanced Spin-Orbit Torque Efficiency in Platinum-Gadolinium Oxide Nanocomposite Films.

Spin-orbit torque (SOT) has emerged as an effective means of manipulating magnetization. However, the current energy efficiency of SOT operation is inefficient due to low damping-like SOT efficiency per unit current bias. In this work, we dope conventional rare earth oxides, GdOy, into highly conductive platinum by magnetron sputtering to form a new group of spin Hall materials. A large damping-like spin-orbit torque (DL-SOT) efficiency of about 0.35 ± 0.013 is obtained in Pt0.70(GdOy)0.30 measured by the spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) technique, which is about five times that of pure Pt under the same conditions. The substantial enhancement of the spin Hall effect is revealed by theoretical analysis to be attributed to the strong side jump induced by the rare earth oxide GdOy impurities. Moreover, this large DL-SOT efficiency contributes to a low critical switching current density (8.0 × 106 A·cm-2 in the Pt0.70(GdOy)0.30 layer) in current-induced magnetization switching measurements. This systematic study on SOT switching properties suggests that Pt1-x(GdOy)x is an attractive spin current source with large DL-SOT efficiency for future SOT applications and provides another idea to regulate the spin Hall angle.

Large Field-like Spin-Orbit Torque and Enhanced Magnetization Switching Efficiency Utilizing Amorphous Mo.

Spin-orbit torque magnetic random access memory (SOT-MRAM) has great promise in high write speed and low power consumption. Mo can play a vital role in constructing a CoFeB/MgO-based MRAM cell because of its ability to enhance the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA), thermal tolerance, and tunneling magnetoresistance. However, Mo is often considered as a less favorable candidate among SOT materials because of its weak spin-orbit coupling. In this study, we experimentally investigate the SOT efficiencies in Mo/CoFeB/MgO heterostructures over a wide range of Mo thicknesses and temperature. Decent damping-like SOT efficiency |ξDL| = 0.015 ± 0.001 and field-like SOT efficiency |ξFL| = 0.050 ± 0.001 are found in amorphous Mo. The ξFL/ξDL ratio is greater than 3. Furthermore, efficient current-induced magnetization switching is demonstrated with the critical current density comparable with heavy metal Ir and W. Our work reveals new understanding and possibilities for Mo as both an SOT source component and PMA buffer layer in the implementation of SOT-MRAMs.

Spin-Orbit Torque Vector Quantification in Nanoscale Magnetic Tunnel Junctions.

Spin-orbit torques (SOT) allow ultrafast, energy-efficient toggling of magnetization state by an in-plane charge current for applications such as magnetic random-access memory (SOT-MRAM). Tailoring the SOT vector comprising of antidamping (TAD) and fieldlike (TFL) torques could lead to faster, more reliable, and low-power SOT-MRAM. Here, we establish a method to quantify the longitudinal (TAD) and transverse (TFL) components of the SOT vector and its efficiency χAD and χFL, respectively, in nanoscale three-terminal SOT magnetic tunnel junctions (SOT-MTJ). Modulation of nucleation or switching field (BSF) for magnetization reversal by SOT effective fields (BSOT) leads to the modification of SOT-MTJ hysteresis loop behavior from which χAD and χFL are quantified. Surprisingly, in nanoscale W/CoFeB SOT-MTJ, we find χFL to be (i) twice as large as χAD and (ii) 6 times as large as χFL in micrometer-sized W/CoFeB Hall-bar devices. Our quantification is supported by micromagnetic and macrospin simulations which reproduce experimental SOT-MTJ Stoner-Wohlfarth astroid behavior only for χFL > χAD. Additionally, from the threshold current for current-induced magnetization switching with a transverse magnetic field, we show that in SOT-MTJ, TFL plays a more prominent role in magnetization dynamics than TAD. Due to SOT-MRAM geometry and nanodimensionality, the potential role of nonlocal spin Hall spin current accumulated adjacent to the SOT-MTJ in the mediation of TFL and χFL amplification merits to be explored.

Influence of ferromagnetic interlayer exchange coupling on current-induced magnetization switching and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in Co/Pt/Co multilayer system.

This paper investigates the relationship among interlayer exchange coupling (IEC), Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI), and multilevel magnetization switching within a Co/Pt/Co heterostructure, where varying Pt thicknesses enable control over the coupling strength. Employing Brillouin Light Scattering to quantify the effective DMI, we explore its potential role in magnetization dynamics and multilevel magnetization switching. Experimental findings show four distinct resistance states under an external magnetic field and spin Hall effect related spin current. We explain this phenomenon based on the asymmetry between Pt/Co and Co/Pt interfaces and the interlayer coupling, which, in turn, influences the DMI and subsequently impacts the magnetization dynamics. Numerical simulations, including macrospin, 1D domain wall, and simple spin wave models, further support the experimental observations of multilevel switching and help uncover the underlying mechanisms. Our proposed explanation, supported by magnetic domain observation using polar-magnetooptical Kerr microscopy, offers insights into both the spatial distribution of magnetization and its dynamics for different IECs, thereby shedding light on its interplay with DMI, which may lead to potential applications in storage devices.

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in permalloy ultrathin film grown on RuO2(101) surface

Permalloy (Py) films are commonly regarded as soft magnetic materials, wherein the magnetization aligns within the film plane. Our studies reveal the presence of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Py thin films deposited on the collinear antiferromagnetic RuO2(101) surface. By employing both the magneto-optical Kerr effect and the anomalous Hall effect, we identified the interfacial origin of the observed perpendicular anisotropy, quantifying it with an interfacial anisotropy energy of approximately 0.77 erg/cm2. Current-induced magnetization switching in Py/RuO2(101) has been achieved under an in-plane field, with the current applied along both [010] and [10 1¯] directions. Py films exhibiting perpendicular magnetic anisotropy offer an innovative material platform for investigating the spin–orbit effect, holding significant potential for spintronics applications.

Nonlinear optical diode effect in a magnetic Weyl semimetal

Diode effects are of great interest for both fundamental physics and modern technologies. Electrical diode effects (nonreciprocal transport) have been observed in Weyl systems. Optical diode effects arising from the Weyl fermions have been theoretically considered but not probed experimentally. Here, we report the observation of a nonlinear optical diode effect (NODE) in the magnetic Weyl semimetal CeAlSi, where the magnetization introduces a pronounced directionality in the nonlinear optical second-harmonic generation (SHG). We demonstrate a six-fold change of the measured SHG intensity between opposite propagation directions over a bandwidth exceeding 250 meV. Supported by density-functional theory, we establish the linearly dispersive bands emerging from Weyl nodes as the origin of this broadband effect. We further demonstrate current-induced magnetization switching and thus electrical control of the NODE. Our results advance ongoing research to identify novel nonlinear optical/transport phenomena in magnetic topological materials and further opens new pathways for the unidirectional manipulation of light.

Interfacial Modulation of Spin-Orbit Torques Induced by Two-Dimensional van der Waals Material ZrSe3.

Two-dimensional van der Waals (2D vdW) materials are widely used in spin-orbit torque (SOT) devices. Recent studies have demonstrated the low crystal symmetry and large spin Hall conductivity of 2D vdW ZrSe3, indicating its potential applications in low-power SOT devices. Here, we study the interfacial contribution of SOTs and current-induced magnetization switching in the ZrSe3/Py (Ni80Fe20) and ZrSe3/Cu/Py heterostructures. SOT efficiencies of samples are detected by the spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR), and out-of-plane damping-like torque (τB) is observed. The ratio between τB and the field-like torque (τA) decreases from 0.175 to 0.138 when inserting 1 nm Cu at the interface and then drops to 0.001 when the thickness of Cu intercalation is 2 nm, indicating that Cu intercalation inhibits the τB component of SOT. Moreover, the SOT efficiency is increased from 3.05 to 5.21, which may be attributed to the Cu intercalation being beneficial to improve the interface between Py and ZrSe3. Theoretical calculation has shown that the Cu spacer can change the conductivity of ZrSe3 from semiconductor to conductor, thereby decreasing the Schottky barrier and increasing the transmission efficiency of the spin current. Furthermore, magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) microscopy is employed to verify the current-driven magnetization switching in these structures. In comparison to the ZrSe3/Py bilayer, the critical current density of ZrSe3/Cu/Py is reduced when inserting 1 nm Cu, demonstrating the higher SOT efficiency and lower power consumption in ZrSe3/Cu/Py structures.

Estimation of the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction in all-metallic multilayer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy

The interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (iDMI) interaction which arises at the interface between a heavy metal (HM) and a ferromagnet (FM) can stabilize chiral Néel type domain walls in ultrathin perpendicularly magnetized multilayers. Dissimilar HMs are required on both bottom and top sides of the FM layer in order to introduce the structural inversion asymmetry which ensures an effective iDMI in the FM layer. HMs like Pt, Ir, Ta etc are very well known for developing large iDMI in the interface with Co, whereas noble metals like Au can produce negligible iDMI. Therefore, a multilayer Pt/Co/Au is chosen to determine the individual iDMI in the Pt/Co interface. Some procedures like field-induced domain wall motion study, spin–orbit torque efficiency estimation study are well established to quantify the effective field due to the iDMI ( HDMI ) which in turn gives the strength of the iDMI ( Deff ). Besides these procedures, a current-induced switching of magnetization was studied to construct a switching phase diagram where the critical current density of magnetization switching has been plotted as a function of the applied in-plane magnetic field. The experimentally constructed diagram and the simulated diagram using a micromagnetic study have revealed the possibility to quantify HDMI . Thus, a systematic and unified estimation of Deff has been done on all-metallic Ta/Pt/Co/Au multilayers.

Magnon-mediated spin Hall magnetoresistance and unidirectional magnetoresistance in Pt/NiO/NiFe structures

Spin–orbit torque provides an efficient strategy for electric manipulation of magnetization. However, Joule heat accompanying with electron motion in the electron-mediated spin current result in unavoidable power dissipation. Moreover, the spin diffusion length in electron-mediated spin current is relatively short, preventing the transmission of spin information over long distances. Magnon-mediated spin current, without moving electrons, can be an excellent alternative to the conventional spin current. Magnon-mediated transfer torque effect has been reported in several previous works. Here, we report the magnon-mediated spin Hall magnetoresistance (SMR) and unidirectional magnetoresistance (UMR) in Pt/NiO/NiFe structures. The significant SMR and UMR were observed in the samples with the NiO thickness up to 60 nm, demonstrating the efficient transmission of magnon-mediated spin current over long distances in the NiO layer. In addition, we observed current-induced in-plane magnetization switching in the NiFe layer via the UMR measurement. These results demonstrated the possibility for developing the efficient spintronic devices operated by magnons.

Direct Observation of Room-Temperature Magnetic Skyrmion Motion Driven by Ultra-Low Current Density in Van Der Waals Ferromagnets.

The recent discovery of room-temperature ferromagnetism in 2D van der Waals (vdW) materials, such as Fe3GaTe2 (FGaT), has garnered significant interest in offering a robust platform for 2D spintronic applications. Various fundamental operations essential for the realization of 2D spintronics devices are experimentally confirmed using these materials at room temperature, such as current-induced magnetization switching or tunneling magnetoresistance. Nevertheless, the potential applications of magnetic skyrmions in FGaT systems at room temperature remain unexplored. In this work, the current-induced generation of magnetic skyrmions in FGaT flakes employing high-resolution magnetic transmission soft X-ray microscopy is introduced, supported by a feasible mechanism based on thermal effects. Furthermore, direct observation of the current-induced magnetic skyrmion motion at room temperature in FGaT flakes is presented with ultra-low threshold current density. This work highlights the potential of FGaT as a foundation for room-temperature-operating 2D skyrmion device applications.