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Deterministic Domain Wall Motion Orthogonal To Current Flow Due To Spin Orbit Torque
Debanjan Bhowmik1, Mark E Nowakowski1, Long You1
1Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
Scientific Reports
|July 4, 2015
Summary
Researchers demonstrate a new method for controlling magnetic domain walls using spin orbit torque. This orthogonal motion, unlike traditional spin transfer torque, offers a novel approach for data storage applications.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Spintronics
Background:
- Spin-polarized electrons can move ferromagnetic domain walls via spin angular momentum transfer.
- Current-induced domain wall motion is key for low-power, high-density data storage.
- Traditionally, domain wall motion occurs parallel to current flow.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate deterministic control of ferromagnetic domain wall motion orthogonal to current flow.
- To explore the application of spin orbit torque for domain wall manipulation.
- To investigate new methods for advanced data storage technologies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a perpendicularly polarized Ta/CoFeB/MgO heterostructure.
- Applying current flow and an in-plane magnetic field.
- Observing domain wall motion under varying current and field polarities.
Main Results:
- Achieved deterministic control of domain wall motion orthogonal to current flow.
- Demonstrated that reversing current or in-plane field polarity reverses domain wall motion direction.
- Confirmed that motion is driven purely by spin orbit torque, not spin transfer torque.
Conclusions:
- Spin orbit torque provides a new degree of freedom for current-induced domain wall control.
- Orthogonal domain wall motion is achievable and controllable.
- This finding opens new avenues for spintronic device applications, particularly in data storage.
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