All-Spin-Orbit Switching of Perpendicular Magnetization

Devices with ferromagnetic layers possessing a perpendicular magnetic easy axis are of great interest due to miniaturization capability and thermal stability, retaining deeply scaled magnetic bits over long periods of time. While the tunneling magnetoresistance effect has significantly enhanced electrical reading of magnetic bits, fast and energy efficient writing of magnetic bits remains a challenge. Current-induced spin-orbit torques (SOTs) have been widely considered due to significant potential for fast and energy-efficient writing of magnetic bits. However, to deterministically switch the magnetization of a perpendicularly magnetized device using SOTs, the presence of a magnetic field is required, which offsets possible advantages and hampers applications. In this paper, a perpendicularly magnetized device is presented, which, without the need for a magnetic field, can be deterministically switched in both toggle and nontoggle modes using a damping-like SOT induced by an in-plane current pulse. This capability is realized by shaping the magnetic energy landscape. Present device does not require any materials other than those widely utilized in conventional spin-orbit devices. The device provides two orders of magnitude enhancement in switching energy-time product as compared with state-of-the-art perpendicularly magnetized devices operating on spin-transfer torques.