Magnetization switching induced by spin-orbit torque from Co2MnGa magnetic Weyl semimetal thin films

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates magnetization switching in Co2MnGa magnetic Weyl semimetal thin films induced by spin-orbit torque, revealing high spin Hall efficiency and potential for spintronic device applications.

Contribution

It provides the first experimental evidence of SOT-induced switching from magnetic Weyl semimetal thin films and characterizes their spin Hall efficiency.

Findings

Achieved a spin Hall efficiency of -7.8%.

Demonstrated SOT-induced magnetization switching in Co2MnGa/CoFeB heterostructures.

Analyzed symmetry and thickness dependence of spin-current effects.

Abstract

This study reports the magnetization switching induced by spin-orbit torque (SOT) from the spin current generated in Co2MnGa magnetic Weyl semimetal (WSM) thin films. We deposited epitaxial Co2MnGa thin films with highly B2-ordered structure on MgO(001) substrates. The SOT was characterized by harmonic Hall measurements in a Co2MnGa/Ti/CoFeB heterostructure and a relatively large spin Hall efficiency of -7.8% was obtained.The SOT-induced magnetization switching of the perpendicularly magnetized CoFeB layer was further demonstrated using the structure. The symmetry of second harmonic signals, thickness dependence of spin Hall efficiency, and shift of anomalous Hall loops under applied currents were also investigated. This study not only contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of spin-current generation from magnetic-WSM-based heterostructures, but also paves a way for the applications of magnetic WSMs in spintronic devices.