Deterministic Magnetization Switching via Tunable Noncollinear Spin Configurations in Canted Magnets

Spin obit torque (SOT) driven magnetizationswitching has beenused widely for encoding consumption-efficient memory and logic. However,symmetry breaking under a magnetic field is required to realize thedeterministic switching in synthetic antiferromagnets with perpendicularmagnetic anisotropy (PMA), which limits their potential applications.Herein, we report all electric-controlled magnetization switchingin the antiferromagnetic Co/Ir/Co trilayers with vertical magneticimbalance. Besides, the switching polarity could be reversed by optimizingthe Ir thickness. By using the polarized neutron reflection (PNR)measurements, the canted noncollinear spin configuration was observedin Co/Ir/Co trilayers, which results from the competition of magneticinhomogeneity. In addition, the asymmetric domain walls demonstratedby micromagnetic simulations result from introducing imbalance magnetism,leading to the deterministic magnetization switching in Co/Ir/Co trilayers.Our findings highlight a promising route to electric-controlled magnetismvia tunable spin configuration, improve our understanding of physicalmechanisms, and significantly promote industrial applications in spintronicdevices.

Automated summary

This study reports on all electric-controlled magnetization switching in antiferromagnetic Co/Ir/Co trilayers with vertical magnetic imbalance. The switching polarity can be reversed by optimizing the Ir thickness. The polarized neutron reflection measurements reveal a canted noncollinear spin configuration in Co/Ir/Co trilayers, resulting from magnetic inhomogeneity. Micromagnetic simulations demonstrate asymmetric domain walls, caused by introduced imbalance magnetism, leading to deterministic magnetization switching in Co/Ir/Co trilayers.