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arXiv · 2512.18419

Orbital torque and efficient magnetization switching using ultrathin Co|Al light-metal interfaces: Experiments and modeling

N. Sebe·A. Pezo·S. Krishnia·S. Collin·J. -M. George·A. Fert·V. Cros·H. Jaffrès
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Abstract

The emergence of the orbital degree of freedom in modern orbitronics offers a promising alternative to heavy metals for the efficient control of magnetization. In this context, identifying interfaces that exhibit orbital-momentum locking and an orbital Rashba-Edelstein response to an external electric field is of primary importance. In this work, we experimentally investigate the Co/Al system and extend the study to Co/Pt/Al structures. We show that inserting ultrathin Pt layers between Co and Al can significantly modify the orbital properties, highlighting the critical role of Co/Al orbital bonding in generating orbital polarization. We further model the orbital response of these systems using semi-phenomenological approaches and linear-response theory within the framework of density-functional theory.

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N. Sebe, A. Pezo, S. Krishnia, S. Collin, J. -M. George, A. Fert, V. Cros, H. Jaffrès. 2025-12-20. Orbital torque and efficient magnetization switching using ultrathin Co|Al light-metal interfaces: Experiments and modeling. https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.18419

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