Joule Heating Effect on Field-Free Magnetization Switching by Spin-Orbit Torque in Exchange-Biased Systems

Seyed Armin Razavi, Di Wu, Guoqiang Yu, Yong Chang Lau, Kin L. Wong, Weihua Zhu, Congli He, Zongzhi Zhang, J. M.D. Coey, Plamen Stamenov, Pedram Khalili Amiri, Kang L. Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Switching of magnetization via spin-orbit torque provides an efficient alternative for nonvolatile memory and logic devices. However, to achieve deterministic switching of perpendicular magnetization, an external magnetic field collinear with the current is usually required, which makes these devices inappropriate for practical applications. In this work, we examine the current-induced magnetization switching in a perpendicularly magnetized exchange-biased Pt/CoFe/IrMn system. A magnetic field annealing technique is used to introduce in-plane exchange biases, which are quantitatively characterized. Under proper conditions, field-free current-driven switching is achieved. We study the Joule heating effect, and we show how it can decrease the in-plane exchange bias and degrade the field-free switching. Furthermore, we discuss that the exchange-bias training effect can have similar effects.

Original languageEnglish
Article number024023
JournalPhysical Review Applied
Volume7
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017 Feb 23
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

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