Field‐Free Switching of Perpendicular Magnetization in Low‐Symmetry Materials

Abstract Spin‐orbit torque (SOT), which relies on the generation of spin currents from charge currents in materials with strong spin‐orbit coupling, provides a fast and energy‐efficient approach for magnetization manipulation in magnetic memory devices. A critical challenge for SOT‐based devices lies in generating out‐of‐plane spin polarization to eliminate the need for an external magnetic field, enabling all‐electric switching of perpendicular magnetization. In this review, recent advances in generating out‐of‐plane spin currents and achieving field‐free switching of perpendicular magnetization by utilizing materials that break lateral surface crystal symmetries and magnetic symmetries are summarized. Moreover, the observation of out‐of‐plane anti‐damping magnon torques and the realization of all‐electric magnon devices are reported. It is emphasized that, although key components of spintronics devices based on low‐symmetry materials are demonstrated, many promising materials and critical questions remain to be explored. Thus, this area represents a dynamic and promising frontier in spintronics, with substantial potential for advancing future memory and computational technologies.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2025-04-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202505170
Citations
9
Primary Topic
Magnetic properties of thin films
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
11.22

Funders

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article

Field‐Free Switching of Perpendicular Magnetization in Low‐Symmetry Materials

Rui Hou, Lei Yang, Zhiyong Quan, Pengnan Zhao et al.
9 citations
Advanced Functional Materials
Magnetic properties of thin films
11.22
article

Field‐Free Switching of Perpendicular Magnetization in Low‐Symmetry Materials

Rui Hou, Lei Yang, Zhiyong Quan, Pengnan Zhao, Jia‐Min Lai, Xiaohong Xu, Yang Du, Fei Wang, Kaiwei Guo, Zhonghai Yu
article en
9 citations

Abstract

Abstract Spin‐orbit torque (SOT), which relies on the generation of spin currents from charge currents in materials with strong spin‐orbit coupling, provides a fast and energy‐efficient approach for magnetization manipulation in magnetic memory devices. A critical challenge for SOT‐based devices lies in generating out‐of‐plane spin polarization to eliminate the need for an external magnetic field, enabling all‐electric switching of perpendicular magnetization. In this review, recent advances in generating out‐of‐plane spin currents and achieving field‐free switching of perpendicular magnetization by utilizing materials that break lateral surface crystal symmetries and magnetic symmetries are summarized. Moreover, the observation of out‐of‐plane anti‐damping magnon torques and the realization of all‐electric magnon devices are reported. It is emphasized that, although key components of spintronics devices based on low‐symmetry materials are demonstrated, many promising materials and critical questions remain to be explored. Thus, this area represents a dynamic and promising frontier in spintronics, with substantial potential for advancing future memory and computational technologies.

Advanced Functional MaterialsVol. 36(21)
Shanxi Normal University (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Magnetic properties of thin films
11.22
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Field‐Free Switching of Perpendicular Magnetization in Low‐Symmetry Materials — Rui Hou, Lei Yang, et al. · Advanced Functional Materials (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS