Effect of interfacial intermixing on spin-orbit torque in Co/Pt bilayers

Using the first-principles nonequilibrium Green's function technique with supercell disorder averaging, we study the influence of interfacial intermixing on the spin-orbit torque in Co/Pt bilayers. Intermixing is modeled by inserting one or more monolayers of a disordered Co-Pt alloy between Co and Pt. Dampinglike torque is moderately enhanced by interfacial intermixing, while the fieldlike torque, which is small for abrupt interfaces, is strongly enhanced and becomes comparable to the dampinglike torque. The enhancement of the fieldlike torque is attributed to the interface between Co and the intermixed region. The planar-Hall-like torque increases with intermixing but remains relatively small. The behavior of the torques is similar for bilayers with (111)- and (001)-oriented interfaces. Strong dependence of the fieldlike torque on intermixing could provide a way to tune the fieldlike-to-dampinglike torque ratio by interface engineering.

Automated summary

In this study, the influence of interfacial intermixing on spin-orbit torque in Co/Pt bilayers was investigated using the first-principles nonequilibrium Green's function technique. The results showed that intermixing moderately enhanced the dampinglike torque, while strongly enhancing the previously small fieldlike torque to a level comparable to the dampinglike torque. The enhancement of the fieldlike torque was attributed to the interface between Co and the intermixed region.