Observation of Spin Splitting Torque in a Collinear Antiferromagnet RuO 2

Current-induced spin torques provide efficient data writing approaches for magnetic memories. Recently, the spin splitting torque (SST) was theoretically predicted, which combines advantages of conventional spin transfer torque (STT) and spin-orbit torque (SOT) as well as enables controllable spin polarization. Here we provide the experimental evidence of SST in collinear antiferromagnet RuO_{2} films. The spin current direction is found to be correlated to the crystal orientation of RuO_{2} and the spin polarization direction is dependent on (parallel to) the Néel vector. These features are quite characteristic for the predicted SST. Our finding not only presents a new member for the spin torques besides…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: 51871130
• TU
  Tsinghua University
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality

  Award: JQ20010
• BI
  Beijing Innovation Center for Future Chip
• NK
  National Key Research and Development Program of China

  Award: 2021YFB3601301