Imaging of current induced Neel vector switching in antiferromagnetic Mn2Au

The effects of current induced Ned spin-orbit torques on the antiferromagnetic domain structure of epitaxial Mn2Au thin films were investigated by x-ray magnetic linear dichroism-photoemission electron microscopy. We observed current induced switching of antiferromagnetic domains essentially corresponding to morphological features of the samples. Reversible as well as irreversible Ned vector reorientation was obtained in different parts of the samples and the switching of up to 30% of all domains in the field of view of 10 mu m is demonstrated. Our direct microscopical observations are compared to and fully consistent with anisotropic magnetoresistance effects previously attributed to current induced Ned vector switching in Mn2Au.