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Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Magnetic Tweezers for the Measurement of Twist and Torque
Published on: May 19, 2014
Characterization and Manipulation of Spin Orbit Torque in Magnetic Heterostructures
Xuepeng Qiu1, Zhong Shi1, Weijia Fan1
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Special Artificial Microstructure Materials and Technology and School of Physics Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
Abstract:
Electrical-current-induced magnetization switching is a keystone concept in the development of spintronics devices. In the last few years, this field has experienced a significant boost with the discovery of spin orbit torque (SOT) in magnetic heterostructures. Here, the recent results as to the characterization and manipulation of SOT in various heavy-metal/ferromagnet heterostructures are summarized. First, different electrical measurement methods that allow the physical features of SOT to be revealed are introduced. Second, it is shown that SOT in magnetic heterostructures can be manipulated via various material engineering approaches. The interfacial and bulk contributions of SOT are also discussed. These results advance the understanding of SOT and provide novel approaches toward energy-efficient spintronic devices.
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