Li, Zhuoyi, Lu, Xianyang, Zhang, Zhe et al. (12 more authors) (2023) Efficient spin–orbit torque switching in perpendicularly magnetized CoFeB facilitated by Fe2O3 underlayer. Applied Physics Letters. 042404. ISSN 0003-6951
Abstract
Spin–orbit torque (SOT) is recognized as an effective way to manipulate magnetization in spintronic devices. For the low-power consumption and high-endurance requirements of future computer architectures, reducing the critical SOT switching current density and improving SOT efficiency are crucial, especially in the perpendicularly magnetized structures. Here, we have conducted a comprehensive study on improving the SOT efficiency of the Ta/CoFeB structure with a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy by inserting an oxide insulating layer Fe2O3 as the bottom layer. We found that only a 1–5 nm thickness of Fe2O3 significantly reduces the SOT critical switching current by 70% and enhances the spin Hall angle of Ta. The spin Hall angle increases from 0.078 for pure Ta/CoFeB to 0.13 for Fe2O3/Ta/CoFeB, and both types of spin–orbit torques, damping-like and field-like torques, are significantly enhanced. It is suggested that the atomic diffusion of O from the Fe2O3 underlayer leads to the partial oxidization of the Ta layer as well as the Ta/CoFeB interfaces, accounting for the observed enhanced SOT efficiency. Our results provide a reliable method to improve the SOT performance in perpendicularly magnetized structures by inserting the oxide underlayer using magnetron sputtering, in favor of its potential real-world application in spintronic devices.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | This is an author-produced version of the published paper. Uploaded in accordance with the University’s Research Publications and Open Access policy. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Electronic Engineering (York) The University of York > Faculty of Sciences (York) > Physics (York) |
Depositing User: | Pure (York) |
Date Deposited: | 04 Dec 2023 14:40 |
Last Modified: | 30 Mar 2025 00:10 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0163034 |
Status: | Published |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1063/5.0163034 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:206140 |
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