Work

Spin currents and torques in ferromagnetic systems with strong interfacial spin-orbit coupling

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A three-dimensional description of spin-dependent current transport across nonmagnetic/ferromagnetic interfaces with strong interfacial spin-orbit coupling is presented. The resulting current-induced torques acting on the magnetization of the ferromagnetic layer are addressed. By considering both magnetic exchange and Rashba spin-orbit interactions at the interface, the angular dependence of the spin-orbit torques in Pt/Co and Ta/CoFeB systems is reproduced. In line with two-dimensional Rashba models, the Rashba-Edelstein effect drives the strong field-like torque, with the unconventional angular dependence being most pronounced, when magnetic exchange and spin-orbit interaction strengths are comparable. Furthermore, the spin currents generated through spin-orbit precession and filtering are shown to produce all three spin-polarization components, depending on the magnetization direction. Utilizing these mechanisms in current-in-plane trilayers could potentially enable field-free perpendicular and type-x switching, which is crucial for advancing the miniaturization of spintronic devices.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-22567-1

Authors: Nils Petter Jørstad, Bernhard Pruckner, Wolfgang Goes, Siegfried Selberherr, Viktor Sverdlov

Institutions: TU Wien, Silvaco (United Kingdom)

Language: English

Topic: Magnetic properties of thin films

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690

Funders: Österreichische Nationalstiftung für Forschung, Technologie und Entwicklung, Technische Universität Wien, Christian Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, Technische Universität Wien Bibliothek