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Suppression of Spin-Orbit Torque Switching by the Magnetic Proximity Effect
Yang Cheng1,2, Zichen Zhang3, Peng Li4
1State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
ACS Nano
|September 2, 2025
Summary
We investigated magnetic proximity effect (MPE) and spin-orbit torque (SOT) switching in magnetic multilayers. MPE enhanced magnetism but suppressed SOT switching due to rapid spin relaxation in the palladium layer.
Area of Science:
- Spintronics
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Functional magnetic multilayers are crucial for emerging spintronic phenomena like spin-orbit torque (SOT), magnetic proximity effect (MPE), and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA).
- Understanding these phenomena is vital for advancing spintronic materials and devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the interplay between MPE and current-induced SOT switching in perpendicularly magnetized Pt/[Co/Pd] multilayers.
- Clarify the controversial relationship between MPE and SOT switching for designing efficient spin-orbitronic devices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and characterization of Pt/[Co/Pd]K multilayers.
- Measurement of MPE-induced magnetism by assessing saturation magnetization (Ms).
- Current-induced SOT switching experiments to evaluate switching ratio suppression.
Main Results:
- Evidence of MPE-induced magnetism in [Co/Pd]9 multilayers, showing a significant increase in Ms from 1400 to 2450 emu/cc.
- Observed substantial suppression of the SOT switching ratio in these multilayers.
- Identified rapid spin relaxation in the MPE-magnetized Pd layer as the cause for inefficient spin current diffusion.
Conclusions:
- MPE significantly influences SOT switching in Pt/[Co/Pd] multilayers.
- Rapid spin relaxation in MPE-affected layers hinders efficient spin current transport.
- Findings provide insights for designing advanced magnetic multilayers for spin-orbitronics.
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