Controllable field-free switching of perpendicular magnetization through bulk spin-orbit torque in symmetry-broken ferromagnetic films

Xuejie Xie, Xiaonan Zhao, Yanan Dong, Xianlin Qu, Kun Zheng, Xiaodong Han, Xiang Han, Yibo Fan, Lihui Bai, Yanxue Chen, Youyong Dai, Yufeng Tian () and Shishen Yan ()
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Xuejie Xie: Shandong University
Xiaonan Zhao: Shandong University
Yanan Dong: Shandong University
Xianlin Qu: Beijing University of Technology
Kun Zheng: Beijing University of Technology
Xiaodong Han: Beijing University of Technology
Xiang Han: Shandong University
Yibo Fan: Shandong University
Lihui Bai: Shandong University
Yanxue Chen: Shandong University
Youyong Dai: Shandong University
Yufeng Tian: Shandong University
Shishen Yan: Shandong University

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Programmable magnetic field-free manipulation of perpendicular magnetization switching is essential for the development of ultralow-power spintronic devices. However, the magnetization in a centrosymmetric single-layer ferromagnetic film cannot be switched directly by passing an electrical current in itself. Here, we demonstrate a repeatable bulk spin-orbit torque (SOT) switching of the perpendicularly magnetized CoPt alloy single-layer films by introducing a composition gradient in the thickness direction to break the inversion symmetry. Experimental results reveal that the bulk SOT-induced effective field on the domain walls leads to the domain walls motion and magnetization switching. Moreover, magnetic field-free perpendicular magnetization switching caused by SOT and its switching polarity (clockwise or counterclockwise) can be reversibly controlled in the IrMn/Co/Ru/CoPt heterojunctions based on the exchange bias and interlayer exchange coupling. This unique composition gradient approach accompanied with electrically controllable SOT magnetization switching provides a promising strategy to access energy-efficient control of memory and logic devices.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22819-4

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