Thermal spin–orbit torque with Dresselhaus spin–orbit coupling

Based on the spinor Boltzmann equation, we obtain a temperature-dependent thermal spin–orbit torque in terms of the local equilibrium distribution function in a two-dimensional ferromagnet with Dresselhaus spin–orbit coupling. We also derive the continuity equation of spin accumulation and spin current—the spin diffusion equation in Dresselhaus ferromagnet, which contains the thermal spin–orbit torque under local equilibrium assumption. This temperature-dependent thermal spin–orbit torque originates from the temperature gradient applied to the system, it is also sensitive to temperature due to the local equilibrium distribution function therein. In the spin diffusion equation, we can single out the usual spin–orbit torque as well as the spin transfer torque, which is conceded to our previous results. Finally, we illustrate them by an example of spin-polarized transport through a ferromagnet with Dresselhaus spin–orbit coupling driven by a temperature gradient, those torques including thermal spin–orbit torque are demonstrated numerically. Graphical abstract We study the thermal spin–orbit torque (TSOT) in a system with Dresselhaus Spin–Orbit Coupling.