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arXiv · 1505.07937

Topological Surface States Originated Spin-Orbit Torques in Bi2Se3

Abstract

Three dimensional topological insulator bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) is expected to possess strong spin-orbit coupling and spin-textured topological surface states, and thus exhibit a high charge to spin current conversion efficiency. We evaluate spin-orbit torques in Bi2Se3/Co40Fe40B20 devices at different temperatures by spin torque ferromagnetic resonance measurements. As temperature decreases, the spin-orbit torque ratio increases from ~ 0.047 at 300 K to ~ 0.42 below 50 K. Moreover, we observe a significant out-of-plane torque at low temperatures. Detailed analysis indicates that the origin of the observed spin-orbit torques is topological surface states in Bi2Se3. Our results suggest that topological insulators with strong spin-orbit coupling could be promising candidates as highly efficient spin current sources for exploring next generation of spintronic applications.

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Yi Wang, Praveen Deorani, Karan Banerjee, Nikesh Koirala, Matthew Brahlek, Seongshik Oh, Hyunsoo Yang. 2015-05-29. Topological Surface States Originated Spin-Orbit Torques in Bi2Se3. https://arxiv.org/abs/1505.07937

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