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Terahertz oscillation driven by optical spin-orbit torque

Author

Listed:
  • Lin Huang

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Yanzhang Cao

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Hongsong Qiu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Hua Bai

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Liyang Liao

    (University of Tokyo)

  • Chong Chen

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Lei Han

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Feng Pan

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Biaobing Jin

    (Nanjing University)

  • Cheng Song

    (Tsinghua University)

Abstract

Antiferromagnets are promising for nano-scale oscillator in a wide frequency range from gigahertz up to terahertz. Experimentally realizing antiferromagnetic moment oscillation via spin-orbit torque, however, remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the optical spin-orbit torque induced by circularly polarized laser can be used to drive free decaying oscillations with a frequency of 2 THz in metallic antiferromagnetic Mn2Au thin films. Due to the local inversion symmetry breaking of Mn2Au, ultrafast a.c. current is generated via spin-to-charge conversion, which can be detected through free-space terahertz emission. Both antiferromagnetic moments switching experiments and dynamics analyses unravel the antiferromagnetic moments, driven by optical spin-orbit torque, deviate from its equilibrium position, and oscillate back in 5 ps once optical spin-orbit torque is removed. Besides the fundamental significance, our finding opens a new route towards low-dissipation and controllable antiferromagnet-based spin-torque oscillators.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin Huang & Yanzhang Cao & Hongsong Qiu & Hua Bai & Liyang Liao & Chong Chen & Lei Han & Feng Pan & Biaobing Jin & Cheng Song, 2024. "Terahertz oscillation driven by optical spin-orbit torque," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-7, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-51440-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51440-4
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