Deterministic spin-orbit torque switching including the interplay between spin polarization and kagome plane in <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:mrow><mml:msub><mml:mi>Mn</mml:mi><mml:mn>3</mml:mn></mml:msub><mml:mi>Sn</mml:mi></mml:mrow></mml:math>
Zhengde Xu, Xue Zhang, Yixiao Qiao, Gengchiau Liang, Shuyuan Shi, Zhifeng Zhu
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated the spin-orbit torque (SOT) switching of $\mathrm{M}{\mathrm{n}}_{3}\mathrm{Sn}$ in configuration I, where the spin polarization \ensuremath{\sigma} resides within the kagome plane. However, this configuration has yielded several unexpected outcomes, giving rise to debates concerning the fundamental physics governing the switching process. Alternatively, in configuration II, \ensuremath{\sigma} is perpendicular to the kagome plane, which bears greater resemblance to the ferromagnetic system. In this study, we show successful SOT switching of $\mathrm{M}{\mathrm{n}}_{3}\mathrm{Sn}$ in configuration II, demonstrating behaviors more akin to ferromagnets, e.g., the critical switching current density (${J}_{\mathrm{crit}}$) and external field (${H}_{\mathrm{ext}}$) are in the order of ${10}^{10}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{A}/{\mathrm{m}}^{2}$ and tens of Oersted, respectively. The switching result is also independent of the initial state. We further show that the distinctive spin structure of $\mathrm{M}{\mathrm{n}}_{3}\mathrm{Sn}$ leads to unique switching characteristics, including ${J}_{\mathrm{crit}}$ increasing linearly with ${H}_{\mathrm{ext}}$ and the opposite switching polarity to ferromagnetism. A switching phase diagram is further provided as a guideline for experimental demonstrations, offering a clear physical picture for the observed phenomena.