Tunable unconventional spin orbit torque magnetization dynamics in van der Waals heterostructures

Two-dimensional quantum material heterostructures can offer a promising platform for energy-efficient non-volatile spin-based technologies. However, spin dynamics experiments to understand the basic spin-orbit torque phenomena are so far lacking. Here, we demonstrate unconventional out-of-plane magnetization dynamics, and energy-efficient and field-free spin-orbit torque switching in a van der Waals heterostructure comprising out-of-plane magnet Fe3GaTe2 and topological Weyl semimetal TaIrTe4. We measured non-linear second harmonic Hall signal in TaIrTe4/Fe3GaTe2 devices to evaluate the magnetization dynamics, which is characterized by large and tunable out-of-plane damping-like torque. Energy-efficient and deterministic field-free SOT magnetization switching is achieved at room temperature with a very low current density. First-principles calculations unveil the origin of the unconventional charge-spin conversion phenomena, considering the crystal symmetry and electronic structure of TaIrTe4. These results establish that van der Waals heterostructures provide a promising route to energy-efficient, field-free, and tunable spintronic devices.