Light modulated magnetism and spin–orbit torque in a heavy metal/ferromagnet heterostructure based on van der Waals-layered ferroelectric materials

Abstract

This study presents experimental evidence of the substantial modulation of ferromagnetism and spin–orbit torque (SOT) efficiency in a Ta/Pt/Co/Ta/In2Se3 heterostructure with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy through light irradiation. An increase in SOT efficiency of ∼20% and a reduction in critical switching current density of ∼52% were observed. The significant modulation primarily originates from the photostrictive effect of a van der Waals-layered ferroelectric In2Se3 layer, which is assisted by thermal effects under light irradiation. The present research provides a potential approach to modulating magnetism and SOT efficiency for energy-efficient spintronic devices.

Enhanced Spin–Orbit Torque Efficiency in Platinum–Gadolinium Oxide Nanocomposite Films

“…Recently, Yang et al reported the field-free magnetization switching by PtTe 2 /WTe 2 with very high spin Hall conductivity . Meanwhile, various methods have been explored to improve the efficiency of SOT, such as light modulation, electric field modulation, and alloying. There have been extensive studies on methods to increase the magnitude of the spin Hall angle by adding nonmagnetic impurities to heavy metal materials, such as Pt doped with Au, Bi, Cu, and Pd .…”