Two-dimensional WTe2/Cr3Te4 heterostructures with high current-induced magnetization switching ratio

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials have emerged as a promising platform for spintronic devices due to their ability to form van der Waals heterostructures with high-quality interfaces, circumventing the lattice-matching constraints of conventional materials. However, the relatively low switching efficiency (<60%) in spin–orbit torque (SOT) systems has limited the development of low-power spin devices based on 2D heterostructures. In this study, we synthesize 2D quasi-layered Cr3Te4 ferromagnets with strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy via chemical vapor deposition method and investigate the SOT effect in WTe2/Cr3Te4 heterostructure through harmonic Hall measurements and current-induced magnetization switching. The heterostructure demonstrates a substantial damping-like effective field, reaching 800 Oe per 106 A cm−2 for spin-up and −480 Oe per 106 A cm−2 for spin-down configurations. Remarkably, current-induced magnetization reversal measurement reveals an unprecedented switching ratio of ∼90% with a low critical current density of 1.85 × 106 A cm−2, surpassing previously reported values in other 2D heterostructures. These findings not only deepen our understanding of efficient SOT switching mechanisms but also provide a critical step toward the realization of next-generation low-power spintronic devices.