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Deterministic Magnetization Switching via Tunable Noncollinear Spin Configurations in Canted Magnets
Pengwei Dou1, Jingyan Zhang1, Yaqin Guo2
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
Nano Letters
|June 28, 2023
Summary
Researchers achieved all-electric magnetization switching in antiferromagnetic Co/Ir/Co trilayers, overcoming the need for external magnetic fields. This breakthrough in spintronic devices offers a promising route for efficient memory and logic applications.
Area of Science:
- Spintronics
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Spin-orbit torque (SOT) enables efficient magnetization switching for memory and logic.
- Deterministic switching in synthetic antiferromagnets with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) typically requires magnetic fields, limiting applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate all-electric-controlled magnetization switching in antiferromagnetic Co/Ir/Co trilayers.
- To investigate the role of vertical magnetic imbalance and Ir thickness on switching behavior.
- To elucidate the underlying physical mechanisms for deterministic switching.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Co/Ir/Co trilayers with vertical magnetic imbalance.
- Polarized neutron reflection (PNR) measurements to probe spin configuration.
- Micromagnetic simulations to analyze domain wall asymmetry.
Main Results:
- Achieved all-electric-controlled magnetization switching without external magnetic fields.
- Demonstrated reversal of switching polarity by tuning Ir thickness.
- Observed canted noncollinear spin configuration due to magnetic inhomogeneity using PNR.
- Identified asymmetric domain walls, driven by magnetic imbalance, as key to deterministic switching.
Conclusions:
- The study presents a novel method for electric-controlled magnetism in antiferromagnetic trilayers.
- Tunable spin configurations and asymmetric domain walls are crucial for deterministic switching.
- Findings pave the way for advanced spintronic devices and improved industrial applications.
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