Current-Driven Switching of Néel Vector of an Antiferromagnetic Insulator Thin Film

Abstract

Manipulation of antiferromagnetic (AFM) materials as active elements provides a crucial combination of electrical, thermal, and magnetic properties for spintronics. This study shows how the spin current generated in heavy metal is induced by spin-orbit torque into an adjacent AFM insulator. The bulk unpinned spins of the AFM layer drive a spin current that is transmitted to the top ferromagnet. This mechanism allows the electrical control of the exchange bias, coercive field, and blocking temperature of the system. Further support is provided by a model calculation that quantitatively describes the effect of the spin current injection into the AFM.