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Field-Free Spin-Orbit Torque Switching of Canted van der Waals Magnets
Bing Zhao1, Lalit Pandey1,2, Khadiza Ali1,3
1Department of Microtechnology and Nanoscience, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg SE-41296, Sweden.
ACS Nano
|March 31, 2025
Summary
Researchers demonstrated field-free magnetization switching in van der Waals magnets using spin-orbit torque (SOT). This breakthrough in Fe5GeTe2/Pt heterostructures paves the way for energy-efficient spintronic devices operating at room temperature.
Area of Science:
- Spintronics
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Spin-orbit torque (SOT) is vital for energy-efficient spintronic devices.
- Van der Waals (vdW) magnets offer tunable properties for SOT applications.
- Field-free SOT switching in vdW magnets is needed for practical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate energy-efficient, field-free SOT magnetization switching in vdW magnets.
- To investigate the role of canted magnetic anisotropy in SOT switching.
- To explore the potential of Fe5GeTe2/Pt heterostructures for spintronic applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of Fe5GeTe2/Pt heterostructures.
- Utilizing anomalous Hall electrical detection for magnetization readout.
- Performing second harmonic Hall measurements to quantify spin Hall conductivity.
Main Results:
- Achieved field-free and deterministic SOT switching in Fe5GeTe2/Pt devices up to room temperature.
- Identified canted magnetic anisotropy of Fe5GeTe2 as the mechanism for switching.
- Measured high spin Hall conductivity (σ ~ 3 × 10^5 ℏ/2e Ω⁻¹m⁻¹) and a low SOT effective damping-like field (0.06 mT per MA/cm²).
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated efficient and field-free SOT switching in a canted vdW magnet (Fe5GeTe2) at room temperature.
- Highlighted the significance of intrinsic canted magnetic anisotropy for SOT phenomena.
- Showcased the potential of Fe5GeTe2-based heterostructures for advanced spintronic devices.
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