Tunable spin-charge conversion through topological phase transitions in zigzag nanoribbons

TL;DR

This paper investigates how topological phase transitions in zigzag nanoribbons with strong spin-orbit coupling can significantly enhance spin-charge conversion efficiency, with potential implications for spintronic devices.

Contribution

It demonstrates the tunability of spin-charge conversion through topological phase transitions in zigzag nanoribbons, highlighting the role of intrinsic spin-orbit coupling and magnetization orientation.

Findings

Spin-charge conversion efficiency peaks at topological transition.

Efficiency shows strong angular anisotropy.

Transition from trivial insulator to quantum spin Hall insulator enhances spin-orbit torques.

Abstract

We study spin-orbit torques and charge pumping in magnetic quasi-one dimensional zigzag nanoribbons with hexagonal lattice, in the presence of large intrinsic spin-orbit coupling. Such a system experiences topological phase transition from a trivial band insulator to a quantum spin Hall insulator either by tuning the magnetization direction or the intrinsic spin-orbit coupling. We find that spin-charge conversion efficiency (i.e. spin-orbit torque and charge pumping) is dramatically enhanced at the topological transition, displaying a substantial angular anisotropy.