Efficient magnetization switching induced by spin–orbit torque in perpendicularly magnetized Mn1+xCo2−xAl Heusler alloys

Abstract

Perpendicularly magnetized Co-based Heusler alloys are promising candidates in high-performance spintronic devices. However, there is a contradiction between thermal stability and damping-like spin–orbit torque (SOT) efficiency in Co-based Heusler alloys with interface-induced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA). Here, we present epitaxially grown perpendicularly magnetized Mn1+xCo2−xAl (MCA) Heusler alloys through tetragonal distortion. Ferrimagnetism and distortion-induced PMA are obtained in MCA Heusler alloys. A large effective spin Hall angle (θeff) up to 0.33 is experimentally demonstrated in Pt/MCA bilayers, markedly surpassing that in conventional Pt/FM bilayers. Consequently, SOT-induced efficient magnetization switching is realized in Pt/MCA bilayers, with a critical switching current density (Jc) as low as 4 × 107 A/cm2. The large θeff and high SOT efficiency would be attributed to the staggered magnetic exchange torques in the ferrimagnetic MCA Heusler alloys. These findings demonstrate that perpendicularly magnetized ferrimagnetic MCA Heusler alloys are highly promising for high-density SOT-magnetic random-access memory with superior thermal stability and low power consumption.