Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026
11:00
Biaxial Mechanical Characterizations of Atrioventricular Heart Valves
Published on: April 9, 2019
14.9K
Antidamping-Torque-Induced Switching in Biaxial Antiferromagnetic Insulators
X Z Chen1, R Zarzuela2, J Zhang3
1Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials (MOE), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
Physical Review Letters
|June 5, 2018
Summary
We demonstrate current-induced switching of Néel order in NiO/Pt heterostructures using spin Hall magnetoresistance. This electrical switching, driven by antidamping torque, offers new pathways for antiferromagnetic spintronics.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Spintronics
Background:
- Antiferromagnetic spintronics offers potential for high-density data storage.
- Controlling antiferromagnetic order with electrical currents is crucial for device applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate current-induced switching of Néel order in NiO(001)/Pt heterostructures.
- To explore the mechanism of electrical manipulation of antiferromagnetic order.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing NiO(001)/Pt heterostructures.
- Measuring spin Hall magnetoresistance to detect Néel order switching.
- Analyzing current-induced antidamping and fieldlike torques.
Main Results:
- Observed significant reversible changes in longitudinal and transverse resistances at room temperature.
- Identified a current threshold of approximately 10^7 A/cm^2 for switching.
- Attributed switching to current-induced antidamping torque, aligning Néel order with the current.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated all-electrical writing of Néel order in NiO/Pt.
- Highlighted the distinct switching mechanism compared to other antiferromagnets.
- Opened opportunities for advanced antiferromagnetic spintronic devices.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Torque
22.7K
Torque is an important quantity for describing the dynamics of a rotating rigid body. We see the application of torque in many ways in the world, such as when pressing the accelerator in a car, which causes the engine to apply additional torque on the drivetrain. Here, we define torque and provide a framework to create an equation to calculate torque for a rigid body with fixed-axis rotation.
Torque can be considered as the rotational counterpart to force. Since forces change the translational...
Torque can be considered as the rotational counterpart to force. Since forces change the translational...
22.7K
01:19Conductors and Insulators
10.9K
Some materials may easily let electrical charges pass through them, while others obstruct their flow. The former are called conductors and the latter insulators. The atomic structures of materials determine whether they are conductors or insulators of electricity.
Most metals are conductors. Their atomic configuration is such that one or more electron(s) are loosely bound to the nucleus in each atom. Thus, a sea of mobile electrons are available in them, known as free electrons. Their easy...
Most metals are conductors. Their atomic configuration is such that one or more electron(s) are loosely bound to the nucleus in each atom. Thus, a sea of mobile electrons are available in them, known as free electrons. Their easy...
10.9K
01:23Insulation Coordination
576
Insulation coordination is the process of matching electric equipment's insulation strength with protective device characteristics to protect the equipment against expected overvoltages. This selection is based on engineering judgment and cost. Equipment can generally withstand short-duration high transient overvoltages, but repeated tests with identical waveforms can yield inconsistent results. As a result, standard impulse voltage waveforms are used for testing, defined by specific times...
576
01:15Torque Free Motion
822
The torque-free motion refers to the movement of a rigid body in space when no external torques are acting upon it. This type of motion can be observed in environments where there are no external forces or frictions, like in outer space. For example, a rotation of Mars in space is a torque-free motion. Mars is an axisymmetric object, meaning it has an axis of symmetry along which it rotates, designated as the z-axis. The rotating frame of reference is defined such that the center of mass of...
822
01:19Net Torque Calculations
11.6K
When a mechanic tries to remove a hex nut with a wrench, it is easier if the force is applied at the farthest end of the wrench handle. The lever arm is the distance from the pivot point (the hex nut in this case) to the person’s hand. If this distance is large, the torque is higher. Only the component of the force perpendicular to the lever arm contributes to the torque. Therefore, pushing the wrench perpendicular to the lever arm is more advantageous. If multiple people apply force to...
11.6K
01:22Switching of BJT
873
Switching behavior in Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs) is a fundamental aspect utilized in various electronic circuits, particularly for digital logic applications like switches and amplifiers. In a typical switching circuit, a BJT alternates between cut-off and saturation modes, corresponding to the "off" and "on" states, respectively, thus behaving like an ideal switch.
Cut-off Mode ("Off" State): In this state, both the emitter-base and collector-base junctions are...
Cut-off Mode ("Off" State): In this state, both the emitter-base and collector-base junctions are...
873