Aurelien Manchon
Affiliations
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Physical Science and Engineering Division, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
Title
Theory of spin-orbit torques and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction
Abstract
In inversion asymmetric magnetic systems, the spin-charge locking mediated by interfacial spin-orbit coupling hosts a vast amount of fascinating phenomena that can be smartly exploited to allow the electrical control of the magnetic order [1]. Spin-orbit torques have recently opened wide perspectives in the development of low-power consumption spin devices, by enabling the electrical control of the magnetic degree of freedom of single magnets through spin-orbit torques [2,3]. In this talk, I will first review the latest advances in the field of spin-orbit torques in metallic multilayers involving heavy metals, insulating oxides and (metallic or insulating) ferromagnets, from current-driven switching to self-sustained magnetic excitations. I will then present the recent prediction [4] and observation [5] of spin-orbit torques in antiferromagnets, which presents a disruptive progress towards low energy spin devices. In a second part, I will concentrate on the use of topological insulators to generate giant spin-orbit torques on adjacent ferromagnets [6]. Due to the specific symmetries associated with topological insulators, the spin-orbit torques present a few peculiarities compared to the one emerging from normal heavy metals, which may result in remarkable differences in terms of magnetization dynamics [7]. Finally, I will discuss our recent calculations on the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction at the interface between heavy metals and transition metal ferromagnets [8]. Of particular importance of device engineering, I will show that oxygen adatoms can severely alter and even reverse the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in these thin films.
References
- [1] A. Manchon, H.C. Koo, J. Nitta, S. Frolov and R. A. Duine, Nature Mater. 14, 871 (2015).
- [2] A. Manchon and S. Zhang, Phys. Rev. B 78, 212405 (2008).
- [3] I. M. Miron et al., Nature Mater. 9, 230 (2010); A. Chernyshov et al., Nature Phys. 5, 656 (2009).
- [4] Zelevny et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 157201 (2014); H.B.M. Saidaoui and A. Manchon, unpublished
- [5] Wadley et al., arXiv:1503.03765v1 (2015).
- [6] Mellnik et al., Nature 511, 449 (2014); Fan et al., Nat. Materials 13, 699 (2014).
- [7] P. B. Ndiaye, A.C. Akosa, M.H. Fischer, A. Vaezi, E.A. Kim, and A. Manchon, unpublished
- [8] A. Belabbes, G. Bihlmayer, S. Blugel and A. Manchon, unpublished
