title: Nanoscale imaging of magnetization reversal driven by spin-orbit torque.
abstract: We use scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis to image deterministic, spin-orbit torque-driven magnetization reversal of in-plane magnetized CoFeB rectangles in zero applied magnetic field. The spin-orbit torque is generated by running a current through heavy metal microstrips, either Pt or Ta, upon which the CoFeB rectangles are deposited. We image the CoFeB magnetization before and after a current pulse to see the effect of spin-orbit torque on the magnetic nanostructure. The observed changes in magnetic structure can be complex, deviating significantly from a simple macrospin approximation, especially in larger elements. Overall, however, the directions of the magnetization reversal in the Pt and Ta devices are opposite, consistent with the opposite signs of the spin Hall angles of these materials. Our results elucidate the effects of current density, geometry, and magnetic domain structure on magnetization switching driven by spin-orbit torque.
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.affiliation: Materials Science and Engineering Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Materials Science and Engineering Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
authors.forename: Daniel B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Gopman
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899; Maryland NanoCenter, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742; National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545.
authors.forename: Andrew L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Balk
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
authors.forename: Daniel T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Pierce
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
authors.forename: Mark D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Stiles
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Unguris