Current-induced spin-orbit torques in ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic systems

Abstract

Spin-orbit coupling in inversion-asymmetric magnetic crystals and structures\nhas emerged as a powerful tool to generate complex magnetic textures,\ninterconvert charge and spin under applied current, and control magnetization\ndynamics. Current-induced spin-orbit torques mediate the transfer of angular\nmomentum from the lattice to the spin system, leading to sustained magnetic\noscillations or switching of ferromagnetic as well as antiferromagnetic\nstructures. The manipulation of magnetic order, domain walls and skyrmions by\nspin-orbit torques provides evidence of the microscopic interactions between\ncharge and spin in a variety of materials and opens novel strategies to design\nspintronic devices with potentially high impact in data storage, nonvolatile\nlogic, and magnonic applications. This paper reviews recent progress in the\nfield of spin-orbitronics, focusing on theoretical models, material properties,\nand experimental results obtained on bulk noncentrosymmetric conductors and\nmultilayer heterostructures, including metals, semiconductors, and topological\ninsulator systems. Relevant aspects for improving the understanding and\noptimizing the efficiency of nonequilibrium spin-orbit phenomena in future\nnanoscale devices are also discussed.\n

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology SA

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