Current-controlled magnetism and resultant nonvolatile multi-state memory devices in Co-doped van der Waals magnet
Abstract
The control of van der Waals (vdW) magnets by spin–orbit torque (SOT) induced by in-plane current holds great potential for next-generation spintronic applications, offering high-density, ultrafast, and low-power solutions. However, the generation of SOT typically requires both strong spin–orbit coupling and broken inversion symmetry, which are often achieved in ferromagnet/heavy metal heterostructures. Here, we demonstrate highly tunable magnetic states and coercivity in a single vdW ferromagnet, (Fe0.74Co0.26)3GeTe2, driven by SOT. The SOT originates from the broken inversion symmetry, as evidenced by the second-order nonlinear Hall effect. This facilitates nonvolatile magnetization switching in (Fe0.74Co0.26)3GeTe2 nanodevices controllable with a low current density (∼106 A/cm2). Furthermore, we achieve up to 8 electrically switchable multi-level states, significantly enhancing information storage density and reducing computational costs. Our findings advance the electrical control of ferromagnetism and its integration into spintronic devices.
Article Details
Journal Info
Applied Physics Letters
American Institute of Physics
Authors (12)
Zhenqi Wu
New Energy Technology Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province & School of Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications 1 , Nanjing 210023,
Xiaoqian Zhang
School of Physics
Zhendong Wang
State Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Engineering and Industrial Catalysis
Kaifei Liu
New Energy Technology Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province & School of Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications 1 , Nanjing 210023,
Rongshun Sun
New Energy Technology Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province & School of Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications 1 , Nanjing 210023,
Kai Gu
Chemical Physics Theory Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6,
Jiacheng Gao
New Energy Technology Engineering Laboratory of Jiangsu Province & School of Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications 1 , Nanjing 210023,
Shuo Wang
Lujun Wei
School of Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications 1 , Nanjing 210023,
Ping Liu
Chemistry Department
Wei Niu
Yong Pu
School of Science, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications 1 , Nanjing 210023,