Magnetization switching driven by current-induced torque from weakly spin-orbit coupled Zr

Abstract

Current-induced magnetization switching (CIMS) via the spin-orbit torque is technologically important for applications of spintronic devices. Existing experimental studies are focused on 5d heavy metals with large spin-orbit coupling but theoretical studies indicate that 3d or 4d light metals with weak spin-orbit coupling may also generate sizable torque through the strong orbital Hall effect. However, CIMS has seldom been experimentally demonstrated using 3d or 4d light metals. Here, we report sizable current-induced torque and a robust CIMS in weakly spin-orbit coupled Zr based perpendicular magnetized multilayers. Current-induced effective torque field changes its sign as the Zr layer thickness varies, indicating the competition of multiple effects. Possible roles of the orbital Hall effect in the competition are discussed. Our findings widen the material scope of the CIMS and imply possible applications of the orbital Hall effect.