Thermal Contribution to the Spin-Orbit Torque in Metallic-Ferrimagnetic Systems

Abstract

Current-induced magnetization switching is an emerging technology for low-power spintronic applications, such as magnetic nonvolatile memory. The authors investigate this phenomenon in ferrimagnetic Co${}_{x}$Tb${}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}$ alloys grown atop a W layer, observing current-induced switching with a strong thermal contribution, which can lower the external in-plane magnetic field needed for the switching. Furthermore, they identify a characteristic temperature associated with the switching, above the magnetic and angular-momentum compensation temperatures yet below the Curie temperature. This insight should impact both the physical understanding and application of ferrimagnetic alloys.