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Electrical manipulation of magnetic moments via spin-orbit torque

#spinelectronics #magnetic-materials #magnetization

Electrical manipulation of magnetic moments via spin-orbit torque

The discovery of spin-orbit torques (SOT) a decade ago revolutionized

spintronics by providing an efficient means to manipulate magnetic moments

through electrical currents. Current-induced magnetization switching driven by

SOT offers a promising route toward ultrafast and energy-efficient spintronic

devices for both computing and memory applications.

By employing electrical probes with sub-nanosecond resolution, we investigate

the efficient manipulation of magnetic moments via SOT in conventional

ferromagnets [1], antiferromagnets [2–5], and two-dimensional van der Waals

materials [6], and explore their potential in computing and memory technologies.

Recently, a fundamentally new direction has emerged in which orbital angular momentum

(OAM) and its associated orbital current can be efficiently utilized to manipulate magnetic

moments. We further explore and discuss the role of orbital currents and orbital torques for

achieving even more efficient electrical control of magnetism.

These results provide valuable insights and guidance for the future design of efficient SOT-based

spintronic devices.

[1] S. Li, A. Du, et al. Science Bulletin, 67(7), 691-699, (2022).

[2] D. Zhu, A. Du, et al. IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting, pp. 17-5. (2021).

[3] A. Du, et al. Nature Electronics, 6(6), 425-433, (2023).

[4] A. Du, et al. Advanced Electronic Materials, 10(6), 2300779, (2024).

[5] Z. Chen, A. Du, et al. Under review.

[6] A. Du, et al. Advanced Materials, e05190, (2025).