Realization of logic operations via spin–orbit torque driven perpendicular magnetization switching in a heavy metal/ferrimagnet bilayer

Abstract

Programmable and non-volatile spin-based logic devices have attracted significant interest for use in logic circuits. Realization of logic operations via spin–orbit torque (SOT) driven magnetization switching could be a crucial step in the direction of building logic-in-memory architectures. In this work, we demonstrate experimentally, the realization of four logic operations in a heavy metal/ferrimagnet bilayer structure via SOT switching. We also propose a general scheme for choosing input parameters to achieve programmable logic operations. The bulk and tunable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and relatively lower saturation magnetization in ferrimagnets are found to make them more energy efficient in performing logic operations, as compared to conventional ferromagnets. Thus, ferrimagnets are promising candidates for use in logic-in-memory architectures, leading to the realization of user-friendly spin logic devices in the future.