Fast reversal of Néel vectors in antiferromagnets via domain-wall motion driven by vertically injected spin currents

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the steady propagation of 180-degree domain walls (180DWs) of Néel vectors in thin antiferromagnetic strips under vertically injected spin currents with various polarization orientations. Our results show that only spin currents polarized parallel to the hard axis guarantee a quick and steady rigid flow of 180DWs, thus realize a fast reversal of Néel vectors in antiferromagnets (AFMs). Different from the common “current-in-plane” geometry, which is feasible only for metallic AFMs, our “current-out-of-plane” layout under investigation can further apply to insulating or semiconducting AFMs (which are more common in real applications) via quantum tunneling effect. The results from this work pave the way for fine control of Néel vectors in strip-shaped AFMs and further development of magnetic nanodevices based on them.