Field-free and efficient nanosecond spin–orbit torque switching in optimized WTe2/Fe3GaTe2 heterostructures

S Sicheng Zhou J Jiakai Yang G Guojing Hu (Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences 1 , Beijing 100190,) Z Zanhong Chen K Kewen Shi B Bingbing Tong J Junya Feng (Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences 1 , Beijing 100190,) Z Ziwei Dou (Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences 1 , Beijing 100190,) Z Zhaozheng Lyu (Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences 1 , Beijing 100190,) X Xiaohui Song J Jie Shen H Haitao Yang H Hua Ke (College of Materials and Chemical Engineering) P Peiling Li G Guangtong Liu F Fanming Qu (Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences 1 , Beijing 100190,) L Li Lu

Abstract

Spin–orbit torque (SOT) driven magnetization switching in all-van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures is a promising route toward next-generation, high-density spintronic memories. Improving switching efficiency and achieving nanosecond-scale operation are essential for practical applications. Here, we demonstrate room-temperature, field-free SOT magnetization switching in WTe2/Fe3GaTe2 heterostructures, achieved through an optimized fabrication process. The device achieves a high switching ratio of 90% at a low current density on the order of 105 A/cm2. Moreover, we demonstrate nanosecond-timescale magnetization switching while maintaining high switching ratio and energy efficiency. These results advance the viability of all-vdW heterostructures for energy-efficient, high-speed memory applications.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 128, Issue 19
Published May 11, 2026
ISSN 0003-6951
Publisher American Institute of Physics

Journal Info

Applied Physics Letters

American Institute of Physics

ISSN: 0003-6951 Physical Sciences

Authors (17)

S

Sicheng Zhou

J

Jiakai Yang

G

Guojing Hu

Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences 1 , Beijing 100190,

Z

Zanhong Chen

K

Kewen Shi

B

Bingbing Tong

J

Junya Feng

Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences 1 , Beijing 100190,

Z

Ziwei Dou

Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences 1 , Beijing 100190,

Z

Zhaozheng Lyu

Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences 1 , Beijing 100190,

X

Xiaohui Song

J

Jie Shen

H

Haitao Yang

H

Hua Ke

College of Materials and Chemical Engineering

P

Peiling Li

G

Guangtong Liu

F

Fanming Qu

Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics and Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences 1 , Beijing 100190,

L

Li Lu