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arXiv · 1805.12322

The current-induced spin-orbit torque and field-free switching from Mo-based magnetic heterostructures

Tian-Yue Chen·Hsin-I Chan·Wei-Bang Liao·Chi-Feng Pai
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Abstract

Magnetic heterostructure Mo/CoFeB/MgO has strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and thermal stability. Through current-induced hysteresis loop shift measurements, we show that the dampinglike spin-orbit torque (SOT) efficiency of Mo/CoFeB/MgO heterostructure is $\xi_{DL}\approx -0.003\pm 0.001$ and fairly independent of the annealing temperature from 300$^\circ$C to 400$^\circ$C. Though $|\xi_{DL}|$ is small while compare to those from Ta or W-based heterostructures, reversible current-induced SOT switching of a thermally-stable Mo/CoFeB/MgO heterostruture can still be achieved. Furthermore, we observe field-free current-induced switching from a Mo/CoFeB/MgO structure with the Mo layer being wedge-deposited. Our results indicate that even for a weak spin-orbit interaction 4d transition metal such as Mo, it is still possible to generate sufficient spin current for conventional SOT switching and to realize field-free current-induced switching by structural engineering.

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Tian-Yue Chen, Hsin-I Chan, Wei-Bang Liao, Chi-Feng Pai. 2018-05-31. The current-induced spin-orbit torque and field-free switching from Mo-based magnetic heterostructures. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevapplied.10.044038

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