Terahertz-frequency oscillator driven by spin–orbit torque in NiF2/Pt bilayers

Abstract

Abstract Exploration and manipulation of terahertz signal generators are crucial steps in the creation of numerous applications. Antiferromagnets can boost output signal frequency to the terahertz range. We propose a nanometer-scale generating device that produces terahertz signals by DC-exciting in a bilayer structure. The structure comprises a heavy metal layer (Pt) and a non-collinear antiferromagnetic layer (NiF2), where the magnetic moments in NiF2 with single-ion anisotropy are excited by the spin current from the Pt layer through spin–orbit torque. The inhomogeneous dynamic behaviors of the magnetic moments of NiF2 are calculated by the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation. It is found that terahertz-frequency AC can be reliably output from the bilayer structure, with the frequency that can reach to 1.82 terahertz. The oscillator shows the best performance when the polarized direction of the spin current is along the hard-axis of NiF2. The frequency and the amplitude of the AC can be adjusted by the current density, thickness and damping constant of the NiF2 layer. The threshold currents for exciting and maintaining the stable oscillation increase with the thickness and damping constant of the NiF2.