Efficient current-induced magnetization reversal by spin-orbit torque in Pt/Co/Pt

Abstract

Current-induced magnetization reversal due to spin-orbit torque is demonstrated in an anisotropy controlled Pt/Co/Pt trilayer. The samples were designed to have weak perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, with a measured anisotropy field of ( 1340 ± 20) Oe. Reversal is shown to be dominated by a damping-like torque associated with the spin-Hall effect. A small in-plane magnetic field was required to break the symmetry and enable reversal. With a 273 Oe field, magnetization reversal occurred with a current density amplitude of only 5 × 10 10 A m − 2, which is shown to be consistent with a simple model. The field-like torque is negligible, so measurements indicate that the imaginary part of the spin-mixing conductance associated with Co/Pt interfaces must be negligible.