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Spin-momentum locking and spin-orbit torques in magnetic nano-heterojunctions composed of Weyl semimetal WTe2

Author

Listed:
  • Peng Li

    (Physical Science and Engineering Division)

  • Weikang Wu

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • Yan Wen

    (Physical Science and Engineering Division)

  • Chenhui Zhang

    (Physical Science and Engineering Division)

  • Junwei Zhang

    (Physical Science and Engineering Division)

  • Senfu Zhang

    (Physical Science and Engineering Division)

  • Zhiming Yu

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • Shengyuan A. Yang

    (Singapore University of Technology and Design)

  • A. Manchon

    (Physical Science and Engineering Division)

  • Xi-xiang Zhang

    (Physical Science and Engineering Division)

Abstract

Spin–orbit torque has recently been intensively investigated for the purposes of manipulating the magnetization in magnetic nano-devices and understanding fundamental physics. Therefore, the search for novel materials or material combinations that exhibit a strong enough spin-torque effect has become one of the top priorities in this field of spintronics. Weyl semimetal, a new topological material that features open Fermi arc with strong spin–orbit coupling and spin–momentum locking effect, is naturally expected to exhibit an enhanced spin-torque effect in magnetic nano-devices. Here we observe a significantly enhanced spin conductivity, which is associated with the field-like torque at low temperatures. The enhancement is obtained in the b-axis WTe2/Py bilayers of nano-devices but not observed in the a-axis of WTe2/Py nano-devices, which can be ascribed to the enhanced spin accumulation by the spin–momentum locking effect of the Fermi arcs of the Weyl semimetal WTe2.

Suggested Citation

  • Peng Li & Weikang Wu & Yan Wen & Chenhui Zhang & Junwei Zhang & Senfu Zhang & Zhiming Yu & Shengyuan A. Yang & A. Manchon & Xi-xiang Zhang, 2018. "Spin-momentum locking and spin-orbit torques in magnetic nano-heterojunctions composed of Weyl semimetal WTe2," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-06518-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06518-1
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