Spin-orbit torque induced magnetization anisotropy modulation in Pt/(Co/Ni)4/Co/IrMn heterostructure

Abstract

In this work, we show that domain wall (DW) dynamics within a system provide an alternative platform to characterizing spin-orbit torque (SOT) effective fields. In perpendicularly magnetized wires with a Pt/(Co/Ni)4/Co/IrMn stack structure, differential Kerr imaging shows that the magnetization switching process is via the nucleation of the embryo state followed by domain wall propagation. By probing the current induced DW motion in the presence of in-plane field, the SOT effective fields are obtained using the harmonic Hall voltage scheme. The effective anisotropy field of the structure decreases by 12% due to the SOT effective fields, as the in-plane current in the wire is increased.