Field-free magnetization switching with full scale in Pt/Tm₃Fe₅O₁₂ bilayer on vicinal substrate

The spin-orbit torques within a Pt/Tm3Fe5O12 (TmIG) bilayer offer an expedient method for manipulating the magnetization of TmIG. However, the practical application of TmIG is hindered by the presence of an external field during switching. Here, we demonstrate field-free magnetization switching in Pt/TmIG bilayer on a vicinal substrate with minimal sacrifice to the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) of TmIG. With the assistance of tilt PMA, reversible perpendicular magnetization switching is realized in the absence of an external field. Our results offer an alternative solution for achieving field-free perpendicular magnetization switching in a Pt/TmIG bilayer, thereby fostering the advancement of emerging SOT-based devices. (c) 2024 The Author(s). Published on behalf of The Japan Society of Applied Physics by IOP Publishing Ltd