Current-Induced Magnetization Switching via 180° Néel Vector Reversal in Pt/Cr₂O₃/Co Trilayers

The 180° switching of the perpendicular Néel vector induced by the spin-orbit torque (SOT) presents significant potential for ultradense and ultrafast antiferromagnetic SOT-magnetoresistive random-access memory. However, its experimental realization remains a topic of intense debate. Here, unequivocal evidence is provided for the SOT-induced 180° switching of the perpendicular Néel vector in collinear antiferromagnetic Cr₂O₃ in a Pt/Cr₂O₃/Co trilayer structure. It is demonstrated that the 180° switching of the perpendicular Néel vector in Cr₂O₃ can lead to the unconventional switching behavior of the Co layer on top of it. The switching polarity of the Co layer can be reversed after the insertion of the Cr₂O₃ layer. Moreover, the exchange bias directions are switched simultaneously with the Co layer. The switching ratio of the Co layer is sensitive to the antiferromagnetic states of Cr₂O₃ and can be tuned by field cooling. The results not only underpin the electrical switching of the perpendicular Néel vector in Cr₂O₃ but are also beneficial for the development of antiferromagnetic-based devices.