Field-free spin-orbit torque switching assisted by in-plane unconventional spin torque in ultrathin [Pt/Co]<sub>N</sub>.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 37402728.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-023-39649-1 and PMC identifier 10319890.
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Abstract
Electrical manipulation of magnetization without an external magnetic field is critical for the development of advanced non-volatile magnetic-memory technology that can achieve high memory density and low energy consumption. Several recent studies have revealed efficient out-of-plane spin-orbit torques (SOTs) in a variety of materials for field-free type-z SOT switching. Here, we report on the corresponding type-x configuration, showing significant in-plane unconventional spin polarizations from sputtered ultrathin [Pt/Co]<sub>N</sub>, which are either highly textured on single crystalline MgO substrates or randomly textured on SiO<sub>2</sub> coated Si substrates. The unconventional spin currents generated in the low-dimensional Co films result from the strong orbital magnetic moment, which has been observed by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurement. The x-polarized spin torque efficiency reaches up to -0.083 and favors complete field-free switching of CoFeB magnetized along the in-plane charge current direction. Micromagnetic simulations additionally demonstrate its lower switching current than type-y switching, especially in narrow current pulses. Our work provides additional pathways for electrical manipulation of spintronic devices in the pursuit of high-speed, high-density, and low-energy non-volatile memory.