Field-Free Spin–Orbit Torque Switching of Canted van der Waals Magnets

Abstract

Spin–orbit torque (SOT) magnetization switching is crucial for next-generation energy-efficient spintronic technologies. The recent discovery of van der Waals (vdW) magnets holds promise for such SOT phenomena because of their tunable magnetic properties. However, a demonstration of energy-efficient and field-free SOT switching of vdW magnets is required for their potential applications. Here, we demonstrate field-free and deterministic switching using an intrinsic canted vdW magnet Fe₅GeTe₂ in a heterostructure with Pt having a larger spin Hall conductivity up to room temperature. Using anomalous Hall electrical detection for magnetization readout, we reveal that field-free deterministic SOT switching in the Fe₅GeTe₂/Pt Hall devices can be attributed to the canted magnetic anisotropy of Fe₅GeTe₂, originating from its crystal and magnetic structures. Detailed second harmonic Hall measurements exhibit a high spin Hall conductivity σ_SH ∼ 3 × 10⁵ℏ/2e Ω^–1m^–1 with an SOT effective damping-like field of 0.06 mT per MA/cm². These findings reveal efficient and field-free SOT phenomena in the canted vdW magnet Fe₅GeTe₂ up to room temperature and highlight their usefulness in spintronic devices.