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Yun H, Lyu D, Lv Y, Zink BR, Khanal P, Zhou B, Wang WG, Wang JP, Mkhoyan KA. Uncovering Atomic Migrations Behind Magnetic Tunnel Junction Breakdown. ACS NANO 2024; 18:25708-25715. [PMID: 39163394 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c08023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
As advances in computing technology increase demand for efficient data storage solutions, spintronic magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ)-based magnetic random-access memory (MRAM) devices emerge as promising alternatives to traditional charge-based memory devices. Successful applications of such spintronic devices necessitate understanding not only their ideal working principles but also their breakdown mechanisms. Employing an in situ electrical biasing system, atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) reveals two distinct breakdown mechanisms. Soft breakdown occurs at relatively low electric currents due to electromigration, wherein restructuring of MTJ core layers forms ultrathin regions in the dielectric MgO layer and edge conducting paths, reducing device resistance. Complete breakdown occurs at relatively high electric currents due to a combination of joule heating and electromigration, melting MTJ component layers at temperatures below their bulk melting points. Time-resolved, atomic-scale STEM studies of functional devices provide insight into the evolution of structure and composition during device operation, serving as an innovative experimental approach for a wide variety of electronic devices.
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Massicotte M, Dehlavi S, Liu X, Hart JL, Garnaoui E, Lampen-Kelley P, Yan J, Mandrus DG, Nagler SE, Watanabe K, Taniguchi T, Reulet B, Cha JJ, Kee HY, Quilliam JA. Giant Anisotropic Magnetoresistance in Few-Layer α-RuCl 3 Tunnel Junctions. ACS NANO 2024; 18:25118-25127. [PMID: 39207052 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c06937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The spin-orbit-assisted Mott insulator α-RuCl3 is proximate to the coveted quantum spin liquid (QSL) predicted by the Kitaev model. In the search for the pure Kitaev QSL, reducing the dimensionality of this frustrated magnet by exfoliation has been proposed as a way to enhance magnetic fluctuations and Kitaev interactions. Here, we perform angle-dependent tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) measurements on ultrathin α-RuCl3 crystals with various layer numbers to probe their magnetic, electronic, and crystal structures. We observe a giant change in resistance, as large as ∼2500%, when the magnetic field rotates either within or out of the α-RuCl3 plane, a manifestation of the strongly anisotropic spin interactions in this material. In combination with scanning transmission electron microscopy, this tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance (TAMR) reveals that few-layer α-RuCl3 crystals remain in the high-temperature monoclinic phase at low temperatures. It also shows the presence of a zigzag antiferromagnetic order below the critical temperature TN ≃ 14 K, which is twice the one typically observed in bulk samples with rhombohedral stacking. Our work offers valuable insights into the relation between the stacking order and magnetic properties of this material, which helps lay the groundwork for creating and electrically probing exotic magnetic phases such as QSLs via van der Waals engineering.
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Xue Q, Sun Y, Zhou J. Nonlinear Optics-Driven Spin Reorientation in Ferromagnetic Materials. ACS NANO 2024; 18:24317-24326. [PMID: 39172468 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c06453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Based on nonlinear optics, we propose that light irradiation could induce a nonequilibrium steady state magnetization variation. We formulize a band theory to elucidate its general microscopic mechanisms, which are rooted by the quantum geometric structure and topological nature of electronic Bloch wave functions. The existence is determined by the light polarization and specific material symmetry, based on the magnetic group theory. In general, for a magnetic system, both circularly and linearly polarized light could exert an effective magnetic field and a magnetic "velocity" (magnetization variation rate over time, serving as an effective torque) to reorient the magnetization direction. They are contributed by spin and orbital angular momenta simultaneously. Aided by group theory and first-principles calculations, we illustrate this theory using a showcase example of monolayer NiCl2, showing that light irradiation effectively generates an out-of-plane effective magnetic torque, which lifts its in-plane easy magnetization. According to magnetic dynamic simulations, under light with a modest intensity, this switching could occur on the order of 0.1-1 ns time scale, demonstrating its ultrafast nature that is desirable for quantum manipulation.
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Sharma S, Gill D, Krishna J, Dewhurst JK, Shallcross S. Direct coupling of light to valley current. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7579. [PMID: 39217163 PMCID: PMC11365965 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51968-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The coupling of circularly polarized light to local band structure extrema ("valleys") in two dimensional semiconductors promises a new electronics based on the valley degree of freedom. Such pulses, however, couple only to valley charge and not to the valley current, precluding lightwave manipulation of this second vital element of valleytronic devices. Contradicting this established wisdom, we show that the few cycle limit of circularly polarized light is imbued with an emergent vectorial character that allows direct coupling to the valley current. The underlying physical mechanism involves the emergence of a momentum space valley dipole, the orientation and magnitude of which allows complete control over the direction and magnitude of the valley current. We demonstrate this effect via minimal tight-binding models both for the visible spectrum gaps of the transition metal dichalcogenides (generation time ~ 1 fs) as well as the infrared gaps of biased bilayer graphene ( ~ 14 fs); we further verify our findings with state-of-the-art time-dependent density functional theory incorporating transient excitonic effects. Our findings both mark a striking example of emergent physics in the ultrafast limit of light-matter coupling, as well as allowing the creation of valley currents on time scales that challenge quantum decoherence in matter.
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Wang Q, Verba R, Davídková K, Heinz B, Tian S, Rao Y, Guo M, Guo X, Dubs C, Pirro P, Chumak AV. All-magnonic repeater based on bistability. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7577. [PMID: 39217155 PMCID: PMC11365973 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52084-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Bistability, a universal phenomenon found in diverse fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics, describes a scenario in which a system has two stable equilibrium states and resets to one of the two states. The ability to switch between these two states is the basis for a wide range of applications, particularly in memory and logic operations. Here, we present a universal approach to achieve bistable switching in magnonics, the field processing data using spin waves. A pronounced bistable window is observed in a 1 μm wide magnonic conduit under an external rf drive. The system is characterized by two magnonic stable states defined as low and high spin-wave amplitude states. The switching between these two states is realized by another propagating spin wave sent into the rf driven region. This magnonic bistable switching is used to design a magnonic repeater, which receives the original decayed and distorted spin wave and regenerates a new spin wave with amplified amplitude and normalized phase. Our magnonic repeater can be installed at the inputs of each magnonic logic gate to overcome the spin-wave amplitude degradation and phase distortion during previous propagation and achieve integrated magnonic circuits or magnonic neuromorphic networks.
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Zhou H, Dos Santos Dias M, Zhang Y, Zhao W, Lounis S. Publisher Correction: Kagomerization of transition metal monolayers induced by two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7413. [PMID: 39198438 PMCID: PMC11358536 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51436-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
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An K, Xu M, Mucchietto A, Kim C, Moon KW, Hwang C, Grundler D. Emergent coherent modes in nonlinear magnonic waveguides detected at ultrahigh frequency resolution. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7302. [PMID: 39181876 PMCID: PMC11344808 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51483-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonlinearity of dynamic systems plays a key role in neuromorphic computing, which is expected to reduce the ever-increasing power consumption of machine learning and artificial intelligence applications. For spin waves (magnons), nonlinearity combined with phase coherence is the basis of phenomena like Bose-Einstein condensation, frequency combs, and pattern recognition in neuromorphic computing. Yet, the broadband electrical detection of these phenomena with high-frequency resolution remains a challenge. Here, we demonstrate the generation and detection of phase-coherent nonlinear magnons in an all-electrical GHz probe station based on coplanar waveguides connected to a vector network analyzer which we operate in a frequency-offset mode. Making use of an unprecedented frequency resolution, we resolve the nonlocal emergence of a fine structure of propagating nonlinear magnons, which sensitively depends on both power and a magnetic field. These magnons are shown to maintain coherency with the microwave source while propagating over macroscopic distances. We propose a multi-band four-magnon scattering scheme that is in agreement with the field-dependent characteristics of coherent nonlocal signals in the nonlinear excitation regime. Our findings are key to enable the seamless integration of nonlinear magnon processes into high-speed microwave electronics and to advance phase-encoded information processing in magnonic neuronal networks.
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Huang L, Cao Y, Qiu H, Bai H, Liao L, Chen C, Han L, Pan F, Jin B, Song C. Terahertz oscillation driven by optical spin-orbit torque. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7227. [PMID: 39174538 PMCID: PMC11341728 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Antiferromagnets are promising for nano-scale oscillator in a wide frequency range from gigahertz up to terahertz. Experimentally realizing antiferromagnetic moment oscillation via spin-orbit torque, however, remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the optical spin-orbit torque induced by circularly polarized laser can be used to drive free decaying oscillations with a frequency of 2 THz in metallic antiferromagnetic Mn2Au thin films. Due to the local inversion symmetry breaking of Mn2Au, ultrafast a.c. current is generated via spin-to-charge conversion, which can be detected through free-space terahertz emission. Both antiferromagnetic moments switching experiments and dynamics analyses unravel the antiferromagnetic moments, driven by optical spin-orbit torque, deviate from its equilibrium position, and oscillate back in 5 ps once optical spin-orbit torque is removed. Besides the fundamental significance, our finding opens a new route towards low-dissipation and controllable antiferromagnet-based spin-torque oscillators.
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Vera A, Zheng B, Yanez W, Yang K, Kim SY, Wang X, Kotsakidis JC, El-Sherif H, Krishnan G, Koch RJ, Bowen TA, Dong C, Wang Y, Wetherington M, Rotenberg E, Bassim N, Friedman AL, Wallace RM, Liu C, Samarth N, Crespi VH, Robinson JA. Large-Area Intercalated Two-Dimensional Pb/Graphene Heterostructure as a Platform for Generating Spin-Orbit Torque. ACS NANO 2024; 18:21985-21997. [PMID: 39102316 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c04075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
A scalable platform to synthesize ultrathin heavy metals may enable high-efficiency charge-to-spin conversion for next-generation spintronics. Here, we report the synthesis of air-stable, epitaxially registered monolayer Pb underneath graphene on SiC (0001) by confinement heteroepitaxy (CHet). Diffraction, spectroscopy, and microscopy reveal that CHet-based Pb intercalation predominantly exhibits a mottled hexagonal superstructure due to an ordered network of Frenkel-Kontorova-like domain walls. The system's air stability enables ex situ spin torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) measurements that demonstrate charge-to-spin conversion in graphene/Pb/ferromagnet heterostructures with a 1.5× increase in the effective field ratio compared to control samples.
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Wang Z, Qureshi AH, Duan Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Zhu J, Lu J, Guo T, Liu Y, Zhang X. Prediction of Two-Dimensional Janus Transition-Metal Chalcogenides: Robust Ferromagnetic Semiconductor with High Curie Temperature. Molecules 2024; 29:3915. [PMID: 39202993 PMCID: PMC11357067 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29163915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic semiconductors (FM SCs) provide an ideal platform for the development of quantum information technology in nanoscale devices. However, many developed 2D FM materials present a very low Curie temperature (TC), greatly limiting their application in spintronic devices. In this work, we predict two stable 2D transition metal chalcogenides, V3Se3X2 (X = S, Te) monolayers, by using first-principles calculations. Our results show that the V3Se3Te2 monolayer is a robust bipolar magnetic SC with a moderate bandgap of 0.53 eV, while V3Se3S2 is a direct band-gap FM SC with a bandgap of 0.59 eV. Interestingly, the ferromagnetisms of both monolayers are robust due to the V-S/Se/Te-V superexchange interaction, and TCs are about 406 K and 301 K, respectively. Applying biaxial strains, the FM SC to antiferromagnetic (AFM) SC transition is revealed at 5% and 3% of biaxial tensile strain. In addition, their high mechanical, dynamical, and thermal stabilities are further verified by phonon dispersion calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations. Their outstanding attributes render the V3Se3Y2 (Y = S, Te) monolayers promising candidates as 2D FM SCs for a wide range of applications.
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Thakur T, Peeters FM, Szafran B. Electrical manipulation of the spins in phosphorene double quantum dots. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18966. [PMID: 39152176 PMCID: PMC11329667 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67955-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigate electric dipole spin resonance (EDSR) induced by an oscillating electric field within a system of double quantum dots formed electrostatically in monolayer phosphorene. Apart from the observed anisotropy of effective masses, phosphorene has been predicted to exhibit anisotropic spin-orbit coupling. Here, we examine a system consisting of two electrons confined in double quantum dots. A single-band effective Hamiltonian together with the configuration interaction theory is implemented to simulate the time evolution of the ground state. We examine spin flips resulting from singlet-triplet transitions driven by external AC electric fields, both near and away from the Pauli blockade regime, revealing fast sub-nanosecond transition times. Furthermore, we analyze the impact of anisotropy by comparing dots arranged along a different crystal axis. The sub-harmonic multi-photon transitions and Landau-Zener-Stückelberg-Majorana transitions are discussed. We show modulation of spin-like and charge-like characteristics of the qubit through potential detuning.
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Dang J, Wu T, Yan S, Watanabe K, Taniguchi T, Lei H, Zhang XX. Electrical switching of spin-polarized light-emitting diodes based on a 2D CrI 3/hBN/WSe 2 heterostructure. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6799. [PMID: 39122744 PMCID: PMC11316065 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51287-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Spin-polarized light-emitting diodes (spin-LEDs) convert the electronic spin information to photon circular polarization, offering potential applications including spin amplification, optical communications, and advanced imaging. The conventional control of the emitted light's circular polarization requires a change in the external magnetic field, limiting the operation conditions of spin-LEDs. Here, we demonstrate an atomically thin spin-LED device based on a heterostructure of a monolayer WSe2 and a few-layer antiferromagnetic CrI3, separated by a thin hBN tunneling barrier. The CrI3 and hBN layers polarize the spin of the injected carriers into the WSe2. With the valley optical selection rule in the monolayer WSe2, the electroluminescence exhibits a high degree of circular polarization that follows the CrI3 magnetic states. Importantly, we show an efficient electrical tuning, including a sign reversal, of the electroluminescent circular polarization by applying an electrostatic field due to the electrical tunability of the few-layer CrI3 magnetization. Our results establish a platform to achieve on-demand operation of nanoscale spin-LED and electrical control of helicity for device applications.
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Majek P, Weymann I. Spin-selective transport in a correlated double quantum dot-Majorana wire system. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17762. [PMID: 39085311 PMCID: PMC11291930 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66478-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In this work we investigate the spin-dependent transport through a double quantum dot embedded in a ferromagnetic tunnel junction and side attached to a topological superconducting nanowire hosting Majorana zero-energy modes. We focus on the transport regime when the Majorana mode leaks into the double quantum dot competing with the two-stage Kondo effect and the ferromagnetic-contact-induced exchange field. In particular, we determine the system's spectral properties and analyze the temperature dependence of the spin-resolved linear conductance by means of the numerical renormalization group method. Our study reveals unique signatures of the interplay between the spin-resolved tunneling, the Kondo effect and the Majorana modes, which are visible in the transport characteristics. In particular, we uncover a competing character of the coupling to topological superconductor and that to ferromagnetic leads, which can be observed already for very low spin polarization of the electrodes. This is signaled by an almost complete quenching of the conductance in one of the spin channels which is revealed through perfect conductance spin polarization. Moreover, we show that the conductance spin polarization can change sign depending on the magnitude of spin imbalance in the leads and strength of interaction with topological wire. Thus, our work demonstrates that even minuscule spin polarization of tunneling processes can have large impact on the transport properties of the system.
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Kim D, Ain QU, Nam Y, Yu J, Lee S, Chang J, Kim K, Shim W, Kim D, Je S, Min B, Rhim SH, Choe S. Sign Reversal of Spin-Transfer Torques. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2309467. [PMID: 38626368 PMCID: PMC11304287 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202309467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Spin-transfer torque (STT) and spin-orbit torque (SOT) form the core of spintronics, allowing for the control of magnetization through electric currents. While the sign of SOT can be manipulated through material and structural engineering, it is conventionally understood that STT lacks a degree of freedom in its sign. However, this study presents the first demonstration of manipulating the STT sign by engineering heavy metals adjacent to magnetic materials in magnetic heterostructures. Spin torques are quantified through magnetic domain-wall speed measurements, and subsequently, both STT and SOT are systematically extracted from these measurements. The results unequivocally show that the sign of STT can be either positive or negative, depending on the materials adjacent to the magnetic layers. Specifically, Pd/Co/Pd films exhibit positive STT, while Pt/Co/Pt films manifest negative STT. First-principle calculations further confirm that the sign reversal of STT originates from the sign reversal of spin polarization of conduction electrons.
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Kopteva NE, Yakovlev DR, Yalcin E, Akimov IA, Nestoklon MO, Glazov MM, Kotur M, Kudlacik D, Zhukov EA, Kirstein E, Hordiichuk O, Dirin DN, Kovalenko MV, Bayer M. Highly-Polarized Emission Provided by Giant Optical Orientation of Exciton Spins in Lead Halide Perovskite Crystals. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2403691. [PMID: 38884160 PMCID: PMC11336922 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202403691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Quantum technologic and spintronic applications require reliable material platforms that enable significant and long-living spin polarization of excitations, the ability to manipulate it optically in external fields, and the possibility to implement quantum correlations between spins, i.e., entanglement. Here it is demonstrated that these conditions are met in bulk crystals of lead halide perovskites. A giant optical orientation of 85% of excitons, approaching the ultimate limit of unity, in FA0.9Cs0.1PbI2.8Br0.2 crystals is reported. The exciton spin orientation is maintained during the exciton lifetime of 55 ps resulting in high circular polarization of the exciton emission. The optical orientation is robust to detuning of the excitation energy up to 0.3 eV above the exciton resonance and remains larger than 20% up to detunings of 0.9 eV. It evidences pure chiral selection rules and suppressed spin relaxation of electrons and holes, even with large kinetic energies. The exciton and electron-hole recombinations are distinguished by means of the spin dynamics detected via coherent spin quantum beats in magnetic field. Further, electron-hole spin correlations are demonstrated through linear polarization beats after circularly polarized excitation. These findings are supported by atomistic calculations. All-in-all, the results establish lead halide perovskite semiconductors as suitable platform for quantum technologies.
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Hajlaoui M, Wilfred D'Souza S, Šmejkal L, Kriegner D, Krizman G, Zakusylo T, Olszowska N, Caha O, Michalička J, Sánchez-Barriga J, Marmodoro A, Výborný K, Ernst A, Cinchetti M, Minar J, Jungwirth T, Springholz G. Temperature Dependence of Relativistic Valence Band Splitting Induced by an Altermagnetic Phase Transition. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2314076. [PMID: 38619144 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Altermagnetic (AM) materials exhibit non-relativistic, momentum-dependent spin-split states, ushering in new opportunities for spin electronic devices. While the characteristics of spin-splitting are documented within the framework of the non-relativistic spin group symmetry, there is limited exploration of the inclusion of relativistic symmetry and its impact on the emergence of a novel spin-splitting in the band structure. This study delves into the intricate relativistic electronic structure of an AM material, α-MnTe. Employing temperature-dependent angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy across the AM phase transition, the emergence of a relativistic valence band splitting concurrent with the establishment of magnetic order is elucidated. This discovery is validated through disordered local moment calculations, modeling the influence of magnetic order on the electronic structure and confirming the magnetic origin of the observed splitting. The temperature-dependent splitting is ascribed to the advent of relativistic spin-splitting resulting from the strengthening of AM order in α-MnTe as the temperature decreases. This sheds light on a previously unexplored facet of this intriguing material.
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Rajib MM, Bindal N, Raj RK, Kaushik BK, Atulasimha J. Skyrmion-mediated nonvolatile ternary memory. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17199. [PMID: 39060298 PMCID: PMC11282189 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66853-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Multistate memory systems have the ability to store and process more data in the same physical space as binary memory systems, making them a potential alternative to existing binary memory systems. In the past, it has been demonstrated that voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) based writing is highly energy-efficient compared to other writing methods used in non-volatile nano-magnetic binary memory systems. In this study, we introduce a new, VCMA-based and skyrmion-mediated non-volatile ternary memory system using a perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction (p-MTJ) in the presence of room temperature thermal perturbation. We have also shown that ternary states {- 1, 0, + 1} can be implemented with three magnetoresistance values obtained from a p-MTJ corresponding to ferromagnetic up, down, and skyrmion state, with 99% switching probability in the presence of room temperature thermal noise in an energy-efficient way, requiring ~ 2 fJ energy on an average for each switching operation. Additionally, we show that our proposed ternary memory demonstrates an improvement in area and energy by at least 2X and ~ 104X respectively, compared to state-of-the-art spin-transfer torque (STT)-based non-volatile magnetic multistate memories. Furthermore, these three states can be potentially utilized for energy-efficient, high-density in-memory quantized deep neural network implementation.
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Abrão JE, Gomes da Silva E, Rodrigues-Junior G, Mendes JBS, Azevedo A. Probing the Spin-Momentum Locking on Rashba Surfaces via Spin Current. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 39013007 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c06090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the spin-momentum locking phenomenon on Rashba states of antimony (Sb) films. Utilizing spin pumping in conjunction with an external charge current, we uncover the topological properties of Sb surface states. Our key finding is the precise manipulation of the direction and magnitude of the charge current generated by the inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect. This control is achieved through the dynamic interaction between out-of-equilibrium pumped spins and spin-momentum-locked flowing spins, which are perpendicular to the charge current. Our results highlight Sb as a promising material for both fundamental and applied spintronics research. The studied Sb nanostructures demonstrate potential for the development of low-power logic gates operating with currents in the microampere range, paving the way for advanced spintronic applications.
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Chai Y, Liang Y, Xiao C, Wang Y, Li B, Jiang D, Pal P, Tang Y, Chen H, Zhang Y, Bai H, Xu T, Jiang W, Skowroński W, Zhang Q, Gu L, Ma J, Yu P, Tang J, Lin YH, Yi D, Ralph DC, Eom CB, Wu H, Nan T. Voltage control of multiferroic magnon torque for reconfigurable logic-in-memory. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5975. [PMID: 39013854 PMCID: PMC11252438 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50372-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Magnons, bosonic quasiparticles carrying angular momentum, can flow through insulators for information transmission with minimal power dissipation. However, it remains challenging to develop a magnon-based logic due to the lack of efficient electrical manipulation of magnon transport. Here we show the electric excitation and control of multiferroic magnon modes in a spin-source/multiferroic/ferromagnet structure. We demonstrate that the ferroelectric polarization can electrically modulate the magnon-mediated spin-orbit torque by controlling the non-collinear antiferromagnetic structure in multiferroic bismuth ferrite thin films with coupled antiferromagnetic and ferroelectric orders. In this multiferroic magnon torque device, magnon information is encoded to ferromagnetic bits by the magnon-mediated spin torque. By manipulating the two coupled non-volatile state variables-ferroelectric polarization and magnetization-we further present reconfigurable logic operations in a single device. Our findings highlight the potential of multiferroics for controlling magnon information transport and offer a pathway towards room-temperature voltage-controlled, low-power, scalable magnonics for in-memory computing.
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Li S, Sun Z, McLaughlin NJ, Sharmin A, Agarwal N, Huang M, Sung SH, Lu H, Yan S, Lei H, Hovden R, Wang H, Chen H, Zhao L, Du CR. Observation of stacking engineered magnetic phase transitions within moiré supercells of twisted van der Waals magnets. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5712. [PMID: 38977692 PMCID: PMC11231268 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49942-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent demonstrations of moiré magnetism, featuring exotic phases with noncollinear spin order in the twisted van der Waals (vdW) magnet chromium triiodide CrI3, have highlighted the potential of twist engineering of magnetic (vdW) materials. However, the local magnetic interactions, spin dynamics, and magnetic phase transitions within and across individual moiré supercells remain elusive. Taking advantage of a scanning single-spin magnetometry platform, here we report observation of two distinct magnetic phase transitions with separate critical temperatures within a moiré supercell of small-angle twisted double trilayer CrI3. By measuring temperature-dependent spin fluctuations at the coexisting ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic regions in twisted CrI3, we explicitly show that the Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic state is higher than the Néel temperature of the antiferromagnetic one by ~10 K. Our mean-field calculations attribute such a spatial and thermodynamic phase separation to the stacking order modulated interlayer exchange coupling at the twisted interface of moiré superlattices.
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Boulton JA, Kim KW. Search for an antiferromagnetic Weyl semimetal in (MnTe) m(Sb 2Te 3) nand (MnTe) m(Bi 2Te 3) nsuperlattices. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2024; 36:405601. [PMID: 38942000 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ad5d3c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
The interaction between topology and magnetism can lead to novel topological materials including Chern insulators, axion insulators, and Dirac and Weyl semimetals. In this work, a family of van der Waals layered materials using MnTe and Sb2Te3or Bi2Te3superlattices as building blocks are systematically examined in a search for antiferromagnetic Weyl semimetals, preferably with a simple node structure. The approach is based on controlling the strength of the exchange interaction as a function of layer composition to induce the phase transition between the topological and the normal insulators. Our calculations, utilizing a combination of first-principles density functional theory and tight-binding analyses based on maximally localized Wannier functions, clearly indicate a promising candidate for a type-I magnetic Weyl semimetal. This centrosymmetric material, Mn10Sb8Te22(or (MnTe)m(Sb2Te3)nwithm = 10 andn = 4), shows ferromagnetic intralayer and antiferromagnetic interlayer interactions in the antiferromagnetic ground state. The obtained electronic bandstructure also exhibits a single pair of Weyl points in the spin-split bands consistent with a Weyl semimetal. The presence of Weyl nodes is further verified with Berry curvature, Wannier charge center, and surface state (i.e. Fermi arc) calculations. Other combinations of the MnSbTe-family materials are found to be antiferromagnetic topological or normal insulators on either side of the Mn:Sb ratio, respectively, illustrating the topological phase transition as anticipated. A similar investigation in the homologous (MnTe)m(Bi2Te3)nsystem produces mostly nontrivial antiferromagnetic insulators due to the strong spin-orbit coupling. When realized, the antiferromagnetic Weyl semimetals in the simplest form (i.e. a single pair of Weyl nodes) are expected to provide a promising candidate for low-power spintronic applications.
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Ishii Y, Yamasaki Y, Kozuka Y, Lustikova J, Nii Y, Onose Y, Yokoyama Y, Mizumaki M, Adachi JI, Nakao H, Arima TH, Wakabayashi Y. Microscopic evaluation of spin and orbital moment in ferromagnetic resonance. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15504. [PMID: 38969719 PMCID: PMC11226459 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66139-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Time-resolved X-ray magnetic circular dichroism under the effects of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), known as X-ray ferromagnetic resonance (XFMR) measurements, enables direct detection of precession dynamics of magnetic moment. Here we demonstrated XFMR measurements and Bayesian analyses as a quantitative probe for the precession of spin and orbital magnetic moments under the FMR effect. Magnetization precessions in two different Pt/Ni-Fe thin film samples were directly detected. Furthermore, the ratio of dynamical spin and orbital magnetic moments was evaluated quantitatively by Bayesian analyses for XFMR energy spectra around the Ni L 2 , 3 absorption edges. Our study paves the way for a microscopic investigation of the contribution of the orbital magnetic moment to magnetization dynamics.
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Song D, Wang W, Zhang S, Liu Y, Wang N, Zheng F, Tian M, Dunin-Borkowski RE, Zang J, Du H. Steady motion of 80-nm-size skyrmions in a 100-nm-wide track. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5614. [PMID: 38965221 PMCID: PMC11224351 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49976-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The current-driven movement of magnetic skyrmions along a nanostripe is essential for the advancement and functionality of a new category of spintronic devices resembling racetracks. Despite extensive research into skyrmion dynamics, experimental verification of current-induced motion of ultra-small skyrmions within an ultrathin nanostripe is still pending. Here, we unveil the motion of individual 80 nm-size skyrmions in an FeGe track with an ultrathin width of 100 nm. The skyrmions can move steadily along the track over a broad range of current densities by using controlled pulse durations of as low as 2 ns. The potential landscape, arising from the magnetic edge twists in such a geometrically confined system, introduces skyrmion inertia and ensures efficient motion with a vanishing skyrmion Hall angle. Our results showcase the steady motion of skyrmions in an ultrathin track, offering a practical pathway for implementing skyrmion-based spintronic devices.
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Ruiz A, Esteras DL, López-Alcalá D, Baldoví JJ. On the Origin of the Above-Room-Temperature Magnetism in the 2D van der Waals Ferromagnet Fe 3GaTe 2. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:7886-7894. [PMID: 38842368 PMCID: PMC11229069 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c01019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
2D magnetic materials have attracted growing interest driven by their unique properties and potential applications. However, the scarcity of systems exhibiting magnetism at room temperature has limited their practical implementation into functional devices. Here we focus on the van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GaTe2, which exhibits above-room-temperature magnetism (Tc = 350-380 K) and strong perpendicular anisotropy. Through first-principles calculations, we examine the magnetic properties of Fe3GaTe2 and compare them with those of Fe3GeTe2. Our calculations unveil the microscopic mechanisms governing their magnetic behavior, emphasizing the pivotal role of ferromagnetic in-plane couplings in the stabilization of the elevated Tc in Fe3GaTe2. Additionally, we predict the stability, substantial perpendicular anisotropy, and high Tc of the single-layer Fe3GaTe2. We also demonstrate the potential of strain engineering and electrostatic doping to modulate its magnetic properties. Our results incentivize the isolation of the monolayer and pave the way for the future optimization of Fe3GaTe2 in magnetic and spintronic nanodevices.
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Xu H, Li H, Gauquelin N, Chen X, Wu WF, Zhao Y, Si L, Tian D, Li L, Gan Y, Qi S, Li M, Hu F, Sun J, Jannis D, Yu P, Chen G, Zhong Z, Radovic M, Verbeeck J, Chen Y, Shen B. Giant Tunability of Rashba Splitting at Cation-Exchanged Polar Oxide Interfaces by Selective Orbital Hybridization. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313297. [PMID: 38475975 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The 2D electron gas (2DEG) at oxide interfaces exhibits extraordinary properties, such as 2D superconductivity and ferromagnetism, coupled to strongly correlated electrons in narrow d-bands. In particular, 2DEGs in KTaO3 (KTO) with 5d t2g orbitals exhibit larger atomic spin-orbit coupling and crystal-facet-dependent superconductivity absent for 3d 2DEGs in SrTiO3 (STO). Herein, by tracing the interfacial chemistry, weak anti-localization magneto-transport behavior, and electronic structures of (001), (110), and (111) KTO 2DEGs, unambiguously cation exchange across KTO interfaces is discovered. Therefore, the origin of the 2DEGs at KTO-based interfaces is dramatically different from the electronic reconstruction observed at STO interfaces. More importantly, as the interface polarization grows with the higher order planes in the KTO case, the Rashba spin splitting becomes maximal for the superconducting (111) interfaces approximately twice that of the (001) interface. The larger Rashba spin splitting couples strongly to the asymmetric chiral texture of the orbital angular moment, and results mainly from the enhanced inter-orbital hopping of the t2g bands and more localized wave functions. This finding has profound implications for the search for topological superconductors, as well as the realization of efficient spin-charge interconversion for low-power spin-orbitronics based on (110) and (111) KTO interfaces.
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