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Current-induced torques in magnetic Weyl semimetal tunnel junctions
D J P de Sousa1, Fei Xue2,3, J P Wang1
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
This study reveals how magnetic Weyl semimetals in spintronic devices generate unique current-induced torques. These findings pave the way for novel, energy-efficient spintronic applications.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Spintronics
Background:
- Investigating current-induced torques is crucial for developing advanced spintronic devices.
- Asymmetric magnetic tunnel junctions offer a platform for exploring novel spintronic phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore current-induced torques in magnetic tunnel junctions with a magnetic Weyl semimetal contact.
- To understand the role of bulk chirality and Fermi arc surface states in torque generation.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of current-induced torques in magnetic tunnel junctions.
- Modeling the influence of Weyl semimetal properties on torque dynamics.
Main Results:
- Bulk chirality of the Weyl semimetal dictates the sign of torques on the ferromagnet.
- Observed large field-like torques on the magnetic Weyl semimetal, exceeding conventional limits.
- Torques derived from Fermi arcs show counter-intuitive dependence on Weyl node separation.
Conclusions:
- Magnetic Weyl semimetals introduce new physics into spintronic devices.
- These findings could lead to the development of highly energy-efficient spintronic technologies.
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