Spin-orbit torque induced magnetization switching in the W/CoFeB/Zr/MgO multilayers with high thermal stability

We demonstrate the spin-orbit torque (SOT) induced perpendicular magnetization switching in an annealed W/CoFeB/Zr/MgO multilayer with high thermal stability. It is found that the thermal stability factor can reach 79 after annealing at 540 degrees C. With an increase in the annealing temperature, the absolute damping-like efficiency almost keeps a high constant value (about 0.3). The tungsten in the W/CoFeB/Zr/MgO multilayer could convert from the high resistive beta-W to a mediate resistive amorphous-like structure. Therefore, the absolute spin Hall conductance increases from 765 of beta-W to 1420 ((h) over bar /e)(Omega cm)(-1) of the amorphous-like tungsten. These results pave a realistic way for the practical application of tungsten in the SOT-based spintronics devices with high thermal stability and SOT efficiency. (c) 2023 Author(s).