Large antisymmetric interlayer exchange coupling enabling perpendicular magnetization switching by an in-plane magnetic field

Masuda, Hiroto*; Seki, Takeshi*; Yamane, Yuta*; Modak, R.*; Uchida, Kenichi*; Ieda, Junichi; Lau, Y.-C.*; Fukami, Shunsuke*; Takanashi, Koki

Physical Review Applied (Internet), 17(5), p.054036_1 - 054036_9, 2022/05

https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.17.054036

The antisymmetric interlayer exchange coupling (AIEC) was recently discovered, playing pivotal roles in magnetization switching of a synthetic antiferromagnet (SAF) through inducing magnetization canting. Large AIEC is reported for perpendicularly magnetized Pt/Co/Ir/Co/Pt with wedge-shaped layers. The effective field of the AIEC is related with symmetric interlayer exchange coupling, providing guides to enhance the AIEC. We develop an extended Stoner-Wohlfarth model for a SAF, revealing key factors in its magnetization switching. Combining the theoretical knowledge and the experimental results, perpendicular magnetization switching is achieved solely by an in-plane magnetic field.