Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 27, 2026
09:54
Fabrication of Magnetic Platforms for Micron-Scale Organization of Interconnected Neurons
Published on: July 14, 2021
5.3K
Spin-Orbit Torque-Driven Perpendicular Magnetization Switching for Artificial Synapses in Co/Ho Multilayer Systems.
Shaomin Li1,2,3, Yidan Wei4, Yuanyuan Chen1,3
1School of Integrated Circuits, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214401, China.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 26, 2026
Summary
This study explores Co/Ho multilayer systems for advanced artificial synaptic devices. These materials demonstrate efficient spin-orbit torque (SOT) switching, enabling multistate behavior crucial for neuromorphic computing applications.
Area of Science:
- Spintronics
- Materials Science
- Neuromorphic Engineering
Background:
- Spin-orbit torque (SOT)-based spintronic devices are promising for artificial synapses due to non-volatility, speed, and low power.
- High-performance SOT artificial synaptic devices require breakthroughs in SOT-driven magnetization switching.
- The magnetic layer's performance and structure are critical for SOT device development.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate SOT-driven magnetization switching characteristics of Co/Ho multilayer systems.
- Explore the application potential of Co/Ho multilayers in artificial synapses.
- Optimize Co/Ho multilayer structures for enhanced SOT efficiency and magnetic properties.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and characterization of Co/Ho multilayer structures with varying periodic parameters.
- Investigation of SOT-driven magnetization switching behavior.
- Analysis of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and spin Hall angle.
Main Results:
- Stable high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) achieved in thick Co/Ho layers by tuning periodic parameters.
- Elucidation of antiferromagnetic coupling at the Co/Ho interface enhancing SOT efficiency.
- Demonstrated high spin Hall angle (up to 0.22) and efficient SOT switching of an 8.4 nm magnetic layer.
- Observed multistate magnetization switching behavior suitable for synaptic weight updates.
Conclusions:
- Co/Ho multilayer systems offer a viable platform for high-performance SOT artificial synaptic devices.
- Optimized multilayer structures and understanding interfacial effects significantly boost SOT efficiency.
- The demonstrated multistate switching highlights the potential for neuromorphic computing applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:13Torque On A Current Loop In A Magnetic Field
6.1K
The most common application of magnetic force on current-carrying wires is in electric motors. These consist of loops of wire, which are placed between the magnets with a magnetic field. When current flows through the loops, the magnetic field applies torque, which causes the shaft to rotate, thus converting electrical energy to mechanical energy.
Consider a rectangular current-carrying loop containing N turns of wire, placed in a uniform magnetic field. The net force on a current-carrying loop...
Consider a rectangular current-carrying loop containing N turns of wire, placed in a uniform magnetic field. The net force on a current-carrying loop...
6.1K
01:13Magnetic Force Between Two Parallel Currents
4.7K
Two long, straight, and parallel current-carrying conductors exert a force of equal magnitude on one another. The direction of the force depends on the current direction in the conductors.
The force exerted by the magnetic field due to the first conductor over a finite length of the second conductor is given as the product of the current in the second conductor and the vector product of the length vector along the current element and the field due to the first conductor. According to the...
The force exerted by the magnetic field due to the first conductor over a finite length of the second conductor is given as the product of the current in the second conductor and the vector product of the length vector along the current element and the field due to the first conductor. According to the...
4.7K
01:17Force On A Current Loop In A Magnetic Field
4.3K
Magnetic forces on wires carrying current are most frequently applied in motors. A DC motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical work. In motors, wire loops are enclosed in a magnetic field. When current flows through the loops, the magnetic field applies torque, which causes the shaft to rotate. The direction of the current is reversed once the loop's surface area is lined up with the magnetic field, causing a constant torque on the loop. During the process, commutators...
4.3K
01:23Magnetic Field due to Moving Charges
11.9K
A stationary charge creates and interacts with the electric field, while a moving charge creates a magnetic field.
Consider a point charge moving with a constant velocity. Like the electric field, the magnetic field at any point is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the source point and the field point. However, unlike the electric field, the magnetic field is always perpendicular to the plane containing the line...
Consider a point charge moving with a constant velocity. Like the electric field, the magnetic field at any point is directly proportional to the magnitude of the charge and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the source point and the field point. However, unlike the electric field, the magnetic field is always perpendicular to the plane containing the line...
11.9K
01:31Ferromagnetism
3.2K
Materials like iron, nickel, and cobalt consist of magnetic domains, within which the magnetic dipoles are arranged parallel to each other. The magnetic dipoles are rigidly aligned in the same direction within a domain by quantum mechanical coupling among the atoms. This coupling is so strong that even thermal agitation at room temperature cannot break it. The result is that each domain has a net dipole moment. However, some materials have weaker coupling, and are ferromagnetic at lower...
3.2K
02:42Valence Bond Theory
11.4K
Coordination compounds and complexes exhibit different colors, geometries, and magnetic behavior, depending on the metal atom/ion and ligands from which they are composed. In an attempt to explain the bonding and structure of coordination complexes, Linus Pauling proposed the valence bond theory, or VBT, using the concepts of hybridization and the overlapping of the atomic orbitals. According to VBT, the central metal atom or ion (Lewis acid) hybridizes to provide empty orbitals of suitable...
11.4K