Flexible orbital torque device with ultralow switching current

TL;DR

This paper introduces a flexible orbital torque device with ultralow switching current, achieved through a mica/SRO/CoPt heterostructure, enabling durable, low-power spintronic applications in wearable technology.

Contribution

The study presents a novel flexible OT device with high torque efficiency and ultralow switching current, demonstrating durability after bending cycles and advancing flexible spintronics.

Findings

Achieved a torque efficiency of -0.31 due to orbital Hall effect in SRO.

Realized an ultralow threshold current density of 9.2x10^9 A/m^2, reducing power consumption.

Maintained performance after 103 bending cycles, confirming flexibility and durability.

Abstract

Orbital torque (OT) offers a highly efficient way for electrical magnetization manipulation. However, its potential in the emerging field of flexible spintronics remains largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate a flexible and robust OT device based on a mica/SrRuO3(SRO)/CoPt heterostructure. We measure a large torque efficiency of -0.31, which originates from the significant orbital Hall effect in the SRO layer. Leveraging the low thermal conductivity of the mica substrate, a thermally-assisted switching mechanism is activated, enabling an ultralow threshold current density of 9.2x109 A/m2. This value represents a 90% reduction compared to conventional spin-torque devices and a 52% reduction against its rigid counterpart on a SrTiO3 substrate. The superior performances is well-maintained after 103 bending cycles, conforming its exceptional flexibility and durability. Our work pioneers the development of flexible OT devices, showcasing a viable path toward next-generation, low-power wearable spintronic applications.