Spin–orbit torque and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction in perpendicularly magnetized heterostructures with iridium Available to Purchase

Spin–orbit torque and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction are systematically investigated in perpendicularly magnetized [Ni-Co]₂/Ir heterostructures. From the thickness study, the spin Hall angle θ_SH and spin diffusion length l_sd of Ir are determined to be θ_SH ≈ 0.005 and l_sd ≈1.2 nm. Remarkably, it is found that by taking advantage of the low resistivity of Ir, the Ir-based device consumes less power for spin–orbit torque-driven magnetization switching compared to the one based on Pt or Ta. Furthermore, the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction field and coefficient D at the [Ni-Co]₂/Ir interface are determined to be 174 Oe and 0.82 mJ m⁻². This study suggests Ir as an advantageous material for ultralow-power and high-density spin–orbit torque memory and logic devices.