Magnetic heterostructures optimized for spin-orbit torque magnetization switching and terahertz emission

In this research project we will study magnetic heterostructures consisting of novel combinations of ferromagnetic (FM) and non-magnetic (NM) high spin-orbit coupling (SOC) materials.

The focus will be on transfer of spin currents across the heterostructure interfaces, which will be optimized for spin-orbit torque switching of the magnetization and generation of terahertz (THz) radiation in spintronic emitters.

Manipulation of the magnetization by spin currents plays a decisive role in building the next generation of spintronic devices, like magnetic random-access memories and nano-oscillators.

Moreover, the successful development of THz spintronic emitters has the potential to yield high throughput data transfers; the THz region offers an unused and unexplored bandwidth that is 1000 times larger than the entire radiofrequency spectrum up to 30 GHz.

This project will therefore focus on heterostructure material combinations with the potential increase the efficiency of transfer of spin angular momentum across the FM/NM interface, including the following heterostructures: All-epitaxial heterostructures involving 5d heavy metals as the NM layer; heterostructures where the NM layer is a two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenide with layers held together with weak van der Waals interactions; and heterostructures where the NM layer is a topological insulator with strong SOC and spin-momentum-locked electronic surface states.