Spin–orbit torque-induced multiple magnetization switching behaviors in synthetic antiferromagnets

Abstract

This paper studies spin–orbit torque (SOT) switching behaviors in synthetic antiferromagnet (SyAF) structures of Ta/[Pt/Co]m/Ru/[Co/Pt]n, which are asymmetric between the upper multilayer (UML) and the bottom multilayer (BML). The SOT-induced magnetization switching loops show multiple transitions of switching orientations between clockwise and anticlockwise with an increasing in-plane magnetic field, determined by the effects of the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction from both the BML and UML in the different stacking structures. Moreover, the field-free SOT switching was observed in the structure of Ta/[Pt/Co]3/Ru (0.5)/[Co/Pt]4. It can be attributed to the horizontal component of magnetic moments in its UML acting as an equivalent field. Therefore, the SyAF structures could be potential candidates for the future SOT-based spintronic devices.