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Optical spin-orbit torque in heavy metal-ferromagnet heterostructures

Author

Listed:
  • Gyung-Min Choi

    (Sungkyunkwan University
    Institute for Basic Science (IBS)
    Korea Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Jung Hyun Oh

    (Korea University)

  • Dong-Kyu Lee

    (Korea University)

  • Seo-Won Lee

    (Korea University)

  • Kun Woo Kim

    (Institute for Basic Science (IBS))

  • Mijin Lim

    (Pohang University of Science and Technology)

  • Byoung-Chul Min

    (Korea Institute of Science and Technology)

  • Kyung-Jin Lee

    (Korea University
    Korea University)

  • Hyun-Woo Lee

    (Pohang University of Science and Technology)

Abstract

Spin current generation through the spin-orbit interaction in non-magnetic materials lies at the heart of spintronics. When the generated spin current is injected to a ferromagnet, it produces spin-orbit torque and manipulates magnetization efficiently. Optically generated spin currents are expected to be superior to their electrical counterparts in terms of the manipulation speed. Here we report optical spin-orbit torques in heavy metal/ferromagnet heterostructures. The strong spin-orbit coupling of heavy metals induces photo-excited carriers to be spin-polarized, and their transport from heavy metals to ferromagnets induces a torque on magnetization. Our results demonstrate that heavy metals can generate spin-orbit torque not only electrically but also optically.

Suggested Citation

  • Gyung-Min Choi & Jung Hyun Oh & Dong-Kyu Lee & Seo-Won Lee & Kun Woo Kim & Mijin Lim & Byoung-Chul Min & Kyung-Jin Lee & Hyun-Woo Lee, 2020. "Optical spin-orbit torque in heavy metal-ferromagnet heterostructures," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-15247-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15247-3
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