Large Antisymmetric Interlayer Exchange Coupling Enabling Perpendicular Magnetization Switching by an In-Plane Magnetic Field
Hiroto Masuda, Takeshi Seki, Yuta Yamane, Rajkumar Modak, Ken‐ichi Uchida, Jun’ichi Ieda, Yong‐Chang Lau, Shunsuke Fukami, Kōki Takanashi
Abstract
The recently discovered antisymmetric interlayer exchange coupling (AIEC) plays pivotal roles in the magnetization switching of a synthetic antiferromagnet by inducing magnetization canting. Large AIEC is reported for perpendicularly magnetized $\mathrm{Pt}/\mathrm{Co}/\mathrm{Ir}/\mathrm{Co}/\mathrm{Pt}$ with wedge-shaped layers. The effective field of AIEC is related with symmetric interlayer exchange coupling, providing a guide for enhancing AIEC. We develop an extended Stoner--Wohlfarth model for a synthetic antiferromagnet, revealing key factors in its magnetization switching. Combining the theoretical knowledge and the experimental results, perpendicular magnetization switching is achieved solely by an in-plane magnetic field.