Field-free switching through bulk spin−orbit torque in L10-FePt films deposited on vicinal substrates

L1_(0)-FePt distinguishes itself for its ultrahigh perpendicular magnetic anisotropy(PMA),enabling thermally stabile memory cells to scale down to 3 nm.The recently discovered“bulk”spin−orbit torques in L1_(0)-FePt provide an efficient and scalable way to manipulate the L1_(0)-FePt magnetization.However,the existence of an external field during the switching limits its practical application,and therefore field-free switching of L1_(0)-FePt is highly demanded.In this manuscript,by growing the L1_(0)-FePt film on vicinal MgO(001)substrates,we realize the field-free switching of L1_(0)-FePt.This method is different from previously established strategies as it does not need to add other functional layers or create asymmetry in the film structure.The dependence on the vicinal angle,film thickness,and growth temperature demonstrates a wide operation window for the fieldfree switching of L1_(0)-FePt.We confirm the physical origin of the field-free switching is due to the tilted anisotropy of L1_(0)-FePt induced by the vicinal surface.We also quantitatively characterize the spin-orbit torques in the L1_(0)-FePt films.Our results extend beyond the established strategies to realize field-free switching,and potentially could be applied to mass production.