Proximity Spin–Orbit Torque on a Two-Dimensional Magnet within van der Waals Heterostructure: Current-Driven Antiferromagnet-to-Ferromagnet Reversible Nonequilibrium Phase Transition in Bilayer CrI₃

Abstract

The recently discovered two-dimensional magnetic insulator CrI₃ is an intriguing case for basic research and spintronic applications since it is a ferromagnet in the bulk but an antiferromagnet in bilayer form, with its magnetic ordering amenable to external manipulations. Using the first-principles quantum transport approach, we predict that injecting unpolarized charge current parallel to the interface of the bilayer-CrI₃/monolayer-TaSe₂ van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure will induce spin-orbit torque and thereby drive the dynamics of magnetization on the first monolayer of CrI₃ in direct contact with TaSe₂. By combining the calculated complex angular dependence of spin-orbit torque with the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation for classical dynamics of magnetization, we demonstrate that current pulses can switch the direction of magnetization on the first monolayer to become parallel to that of the second monolayer, thereby converting CrI₃ from antiferromagnet to ferromagnet <i>while not requiring any external magnetic field</i>. We explain the mechanism of this reversible <i>current-driven nonequilibrium phase transition</i> by showing that first monolayer of CrI₃ carries current due to evanescent wave functions injected by metallic transition metal dichalcogenide TaSe₂, while concurrently acquiring strong spin-orbit coupling via such a proximity effect, whereas the second monolayer of CrI₃ remains insulating. The transition can be detected by passing vertical read current through the vdW heterostructure, encapsulated by a bilayer of hexagonal boron nitride and sandwiched between graphite electrodes, where we find a tunneling magnetoresistance of ≃240%.