Enhancement of spin–orbit torque and magnetization switching by Pt100–xWx alloy in Co-based films

Alloying heavy metals (HMs) has been an effective method for enhancing the efficiency of spin–orbit torque. In this study, we demonstrate that Pt100−xWx/Pt/Co/Ta multilayers still maintain perpendicular magnetic anisotropy after high-temperature annealing. Doping tungsten (W) into HM platinum (Pt) at the bottom of a Pt/Co/Ta multilayer significantly increases the spin Hall angle (θSH) and reduces the critical switching current density (Jc). The harmonic Hall test results show that the θSH of the Pt88W12 alloy film is approximately 0.29, which is higher than that of the pure Pt film (0.15). The magnetization switching test reveals that the Jc of Pt94W6 alloy film is approximately 4.892 × 106 A/cm2, which is 51.9% lower than that of the pure Pt film. This study offers a valuable method for reducing power consumption and enhancing the efficiency of related application devices.