Strong lateral exchange coupling and current-induced switching in single-layer ferrimagnetic films with patterned compensation temperature
Zhentao Liu, Zhaochu Luo, Ivan Shorubalko, Christof Vockenhuber, Laura J. Heyderman, Pietro Gambardella, Aleš Hrabec
Abstract
Interlayer couplings are widely used in spintronic devices based on magnetic multilayers. Here, the authors demonstrate instead a strong tunable coupling between adjacent regions of a single ferrimagnetic layer, based on the exchange interaction. They unveil a large lateral exchange bias by spatially patterning the compensation temperature of the ferrimagnet. Furthermore, they show electrical switching of ferrimagnetic domains utilizing the lateral exchange coupling mechanism in combination with spin-orbit torques.
Topics & Concepts
FerrimagnetismSpintronicsCoupling (piping)Materials scienceCompensation (psychology)Condensed matter physicsLayer (electronics)Exchange biasCurrent (fluid)OptoelectronicsFerromagnetismNanotechnologyMagnetic fieldPhysicsMagnetic anisotropyMagnetizationElectrical engineeringEngineeringComposite materialPsychologyPsychoanalysisQuantum mechanicsMagnetic properties of thin filmsMagnetic and transport properties of perovskites and related materialsPhysics of Superconductivity and Magnetism