Probing anisotropy in epitaxial Fe/Pt bilayers by spin-orbit torque ferromagnetic resonance

We report the generation and detection of spin-orbit torque ferromagnetic resonance (STFMR) in micropatterned epitaxial Fe/Pt bilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The magnetic field dependent measurements at an in-plane magnetic field angle of 45 & DEG; with respect to the microwave-current direction reveal the presence of two distinct voltage peaks indicative of a strong magnetic anisotropy. We show that STFMR can be employed to probe the underlying magnetic properties, including the anisotropies in the Fe layer. We compare our STFMR results with broadband ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy and magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements of the unpatterned bilayer thin films. The experimental STFMR measurements are interpreted using an analytical formalism and further confirmed using micromagnetic modeling which sheds light on the field-dependent magnetization alignment in the microstructures responsible for the STFMR rectification. Our results demonstrate a simple and efficient method for determining magnetic anisotropies in microstructures by means of rf spectroscopy.

Automated summary

In this study, we reported the generation and detection of spin-orbit torque ferromagnetic resonance in micropatterned Fe/Pt bilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Our results demonstrate a simple and efficient method for determining magnetic anisotropies in microstructures using rf spectroscopy. The experimental STFMR measurements were compared with broadband ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy and magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements to confirm the findings.