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Enhancing Spin-Orbit Torque by Strong Interfacial Scattering From Ultrathin Insertion Layers

Cornell Affiliated Author(s)

Author

Lijun Zhu
Lujun Zhu
Shengjie Shi
Manling Sui
D.C. Ralph
Robert Buhrman

Abstract

Increasing dampinglike spin-orbit torque (SOT) is of fundamental importance for enabling new research into spintronics phenomena and also technologically urgent for advancing low-power spin-torque memory, logic, and oscillator devices. Here, we demonstrate that enhancing interfacial scattering by inserting ultrathin layers within spin Hall metals with intrinsic or side-jump mechanisms can significantly enhance the spin Hall ratio. The dampinglike SOT is enhanced by a factor of 2 via submonolayer Hf insertion, as evidenced by both harmonic response measurements and current-induced switching of in-plane magnetized magnetic memory devices with the record low critical switching current of approximately 73 μA (switching current density of approximately 3.6×106A/cm2). This work demonstrates a very effective strategy for maximizing dampinglike SOT for low-power spin-torque devices. © 2019 American Physical Society.

Date Published

Journal

American Physical Society (APS)

Volume

11

Issue

6

URL

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85067348825&doi=10.1103%2fPhysRevApplied.11.061004&partnerID=40&md5=725f84d84f1bf7b5597110c3b70930a0

DOI

10.1103/PhysRevApplied.11.061004

Funding Source

DMR-1719875
2019JQ-433
N00014-15-1-2449
GK201903024
W911NF-14-C0089
ECCS-1542081

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