Reduced Current Spin-Orbit Torque Switching of a Perpendicularly Magnetized Free Layer

Abstract

We demonstrate the switching of a perpendicularly magnetized free layer by spin-orbit torques. The switching is accomplished by a purely electrical, two-current pulse scheme. The first pulse realizes the selection of the cell, while the second pulse, with a lower current, completes the switching deterministically. The second current is reduced by 50% without affecting the switching performance. This current reduction results in a reduction of about 80% of the power consumption by the second pulse. Even with such a large decrease of current and power, the switching time remains robust and fast, resulting in a very efficient switching scheme.