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Abstract Giant spin-orbit torque (SOT) from topological insulators (TIs) provides an energy efficient writing method for magnetic memory, which, however, is still premature for practical applications due to the challenge of the integration with magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). Here, we demonstrate a functional TI-MTJ device that could become the core element of the future energy-efficient spintronic devices, such as SOT-based magnetic random-access memory (SOT-MRAM). The state-of-the-art tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio of 102% and the ultralow switching current density of 1.2 × 105 A cm−2have been simultaneously achieved in the TI-MTJ device at room temperature, laying down the foundation for TI-driven SOT-MRAM. The charge-spin conversion efficiencyθSHin TIs is quantified by both the SOT-induced shift of the magnetic switching field (θSH = 1.59) and the SOT-induced ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) (θSH = 1.02), which is one order of magnitude larger than that in conventional heavy metals. These results inspire a revolution of SOT-MRAM from classical to quantum materials, with great potential to further reduce the energy consumption.
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Monolayer WSe2 induced giant enhancement in the spin Hall efficiency of Tantalum
Abstract Spin Orbit Torque Magnetic RAM (SOT-MRAM) is emerging as a promising memory technology owing to its high endurance, reliability and speed. A critical factor for its success is the development of materials that exhibit efficient conversion of charge current to spin current, characterized by their spin Hall efficiency. In this work, it is experimentally demonstrated that the spin Hall efficiency of the industrially relevant ultra-thin Ta can be enhanced by more than 25× when a monolayer (ML) WSe2is inserted as an underlayer. The enhancement is attributed to spin absorption at the Ta/WSe2interface, suggested by harmonic Hall measurements. The presented hybrid spin Hall stack with a 2D WSe2underlayer has a total body thickness of less than 2 nm and exhibits greatly enhanced spin Hall efficiency, which makes this hybrid a promising candidate for energy efficient SOT-MRAM.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1739635
- PAR ID:
- 10164078
- Publisher / Repository:
- Nature Publishing Group
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- npj 2D Materials and Applications
- Volume:
- 4
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2397-7132
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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