Spin-momentum locking and spin-orbit torques in magnetic nano-heterojunctions composed of Weyl semimetal WTe2

Peng Li, Weikang Wu, Yan Wen, Chenhui Zhang, Junwei Zhang, Senfu Zhang, Zhiming Yu, Shengyuan A. Yang, A. Manchon and Xi-xiang Zhang ()
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Peng Li: Physical Science and Engineering Division
Weikang Wu: Singapore University of Technology and Design
Yan Wen: Physical Science and Engineering Division
Chenhui Zhang: Physical Science and Engineering Division
Junwei Zhang: Physical Science and Engineering Division
Senfu Zhang: Physical Science and Engineering Division
Zhiming Yu: Singapore University of Technology and Design
Shengyuan A. Yang: Singapore University of Technology and Design
A. Manchon: Physical Science and Engineering Division
Xi-xiang Zhang: Physical Science and Engineering Division

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Spin–orbit torque has recently been intensively investigated for the purposes of manipulating the magnetization in magnetic nano-devices and understanding fundamental physics. Therefore, the search for novel materials or material combinations that exhibit a strong enough spin-torque effect has become one of the top priorities in this field of spintronics. Weyl semimetal, a new topological material that features open Fermi arc with strong spin–orbit coupling and spin–momentum locking effect, is naturally expected to exhibit an enhanced spin-torque effect in magnetic nano-devices. Here we observe a significantly enhanced spin conductivity, which is associated with the field-like torque at low temperatures. The enhancement is obtained in the b-axis WTe2/Py bilayers of nano-devices but not observed in the a-axis of WTe2/Py nano-devices, which can be ascribed to the enhanced spin accumulation by the spin–momentum locking effect of the Fermi arcs of the Weyl semimetal WTe2.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06518-1

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