Interlayer exchange coupling and spin Hall effect through an Ir-doped Cu nonmagnetic layer

Abstract

Controllable antiferromagnetic alignment of magnetizations is vital for the systematic study of antiferromagnetic spintronics. Along this path, antiferromagnetically coupled metallic superlattices are promising systems, exploiting the interlayer exchange coupling. Here, the authors report that, as a spacer-layer material sandwiched between ferromagnetic cobalt layers, nonmagnetic Ir-doped Cu exhibits simultaneously a definite interlayer exchange coupling and an appreciable spin-orbit torque. This experimental demonstration and findings offer an avenue to antiferromagnetic spintronics, based on antiferromagnetically coupled metallic superlattices.