Spin-torque-driven antiferromagnetic resonance.

Zhou, Yongjian; Guo, Tingwen; Han, Lei; Liao, Liyang; He, Wenqing; Wan, Caihua; Chen, Chong; Wang, Qian et al. · Sci Adv · 2024

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

The intrinsic fast dynamics make antiferromagnetic spintronics a promising avenue for faster data processing. Ultrafast antiferromagnetic resonance-generated spin current provides valuable access to antiferromagnetic spin dynamics. However, the inverse effect, spin-torque-driven antiferromagnetic resonance (ST-AFMR), which is attractive for practical utilization of fast devices but seriously impeded by difficulties in controlling and detecting Néel vectors, remains elusive. We observe ST-AFMR in Y<sub>3</sub>Fe<sub>5</sub>O<sub>12</sub>/α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/Pt at room temperature. The Néel vector oscillates and contributes to voltage signal owing to antiferromagnetic negative spin Hall magnetoresistance-induced spin rectification effect, which has the opposite sign to ferromagnets. The Néel vector in antiferromagnetic α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> is strongly coupled to the magnetization in Y<sub>3</sub>Fe<sub>5</sub>O<sub>12</sub> buffer, resulting in the convenient control of Néel vectors. ST-AFMR experiment is bolstered by micromagnetic simulations, where both the Néel vector and the canted moment of α-Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> are in elliptic resonance. These findings shed light on the spin current-induced dynamics in antiferromagnets and represent a step toward electrically controlled antiferromagnetic terahertz emitters.