Wedge-shaped HfO_(2) buffer layer-induced field-free spin-orbit torque switching of HfO_(2)/Pt/Co structure

Field-free spin-orbit torque(SOT)switching of perpendicular magnetization is essential for future spintronic devices.This study demonstrates the field-free switching of perpendicular magnetization in an HfO_(2)/Pt/Co/TaO_(x) structure,which is facilitated by a wedge-shaped HfO_(2)buffer layer.The field-free switching ratio varies with HfO_(2)thickness,reaching optimal performance at 25 nm.This phenomenon is attributed to the lateral anisotropy gradient of the Co layer,which is induced by the wedge-shaped HfO_(2)buffer layer.The thickness gradient of HfO_(2)along the wedge creates a corresponding lateral anisotropy gradient in the Co layer,correlating with the switching ratio.These findings indicate that field-free SOT switching can be achieved through designing buffer layer,offering a novel approach to innovating spin-orbit device.

Ta thickness effect on field-free switching and spin-orbit torque efficiency in a ferromagnetically coupled Co/Ta/CoFeB trilayer

Current induced spin-orbit torque(SOT)switching of magnetization is a promising technology for nonvolatile spintronic memory and logic applications.In this work,we systematically investigated the effect of Ta thickness on the magnetic properties,field-free switching and SOT efficiency in a ferromagnetically coupled Co/Ta/Co Fe B trilayer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy.We found that both the anisotropy field and coercivity increase with increasing Ta thickness from0.15 nm to 0.4 nm.With further increase of Ta thickness to 0.5 nm,two-step switching is observed,indicating that the two magnetic layers are magnetically decoupled.Measurements of pulse-current induced magnetization switching and harmonic Hall voltages show that the critical switching current density increases while the field-free switching ratio and SOT efficiency decrease with increasing Ta thickness.Both the enhanced spin memory loss and reduced interlayer exchange coupling might be responsible for theβ_(DL)decrease as the Ta spacer thickness increases.The studied structure with the incorporation of a Co Fe B layer is able to realize field-free switching in the strong ferromagnetic coupling region,which may contribute to the further development of magnetic tunnel junctions for better memory applications.

Magnetization reorientation induced by spin-orbit torque in YIG/Pt bilayers

In this work,we report the reorientation of magnetization by spin-orbit torque(SOT)in YIG/Pt bilayers.The SOT is investigated by measuring the spin Hall magnetoresistance(SMR),which is highly sensitive to the direction of magnetic moment of YIG.An external in-plane rotating magnetic field which is applied to the YIG/Pt bilayers,and the evolutions of SMR under different injected currents in the Pt layer,result in deviation of SMR curve from the standard shape.We conclude that the SOT caused by spin accumulation near the interface between YIG and Pt can effectively reorient the inplane magnetic moment of YIG.This discovery provides an effective way to modulate YIG magnetic moments by electrical methods.

Multiple modes of perpendicular magnetization switching scheme in single spin-orbit torque device

Spin-orbit torque(SOT)has been considered as one of the promising technologies for the next-generation magnetic random access memory(MRAM).So far,SOT has been widely utilized for inducing various modes of magnetization switching.However,it is a challenge that so many multiple modes of magnetization switching are integrated together.Here we propose a method of implementing both unipolar switching and bipolar switching of the perpendicular magnetization within a single SOT device.The mode of switching can be easily changed by tuning the amplitude of the applied current.We show that the field-like torque plays an important role in switching process.The field-like torque induces the precession of the magnetization in the case of unipolar switching,however,the field-like torque helps to generate an effective zcomponent torque in the case of bipolar switching.In addition,the influence of key parameters on the mode of switching is discussed,including the field-like torque strength,the bias field,and the current density.Our proposal can be used to design novel reconfigurable logic circuits in the near future.

Enhancement of spin-orbit torque efficiency by tailoring interfacial spin-orbit coupling in Pt-based magnetic multilayers

We study inserting Co layer thickness-dependent spin transport and spin-orbit torques(SOTs)in the Pt/Co/Py trilayers by spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance.The interfacial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy(IPMA)energy density(Ks=2.7 erg/cm^(2),1 erg=10^(-7) J),which is dominated by interfacial spin-orbit coupling(ISOC)in the Pt/Co interface,total effective spin-mixing conductance(G↑↓eff,tot=0.42×10^(15) Ω^(-1)·m^(-2))and two-magnon scattering(βTMS=0.46 nm2)are first characterized,and the damping-like torque(ξDL=0.103)and field-like torque(ξFL=-0.017)efficiencies are also calculated quantitatively by varying the thickness of the inserting Co layer.The significant enhancement of ξDL and ξFL in Pt/Co/Py than Pt/Py bilayer system originates from the interfacial Rashba-Edelstein effect due to the strong ISOC between Co-3d and Pt-5d orbitals at the Pt/Co interface.Additionally,we find a considerable out-of-plane spin polarization SOT,which is ascribed to the spin anomalous Hall effect and possible spin precession effect due to IPMA-induced perpendicular magnetization at the Pt/Co interface.Our results demonstrate that the ISOC of the Pt/Co interface plays a vital role in spin transport and SOTs-generation.Our finds offer an alternative approach to improve the conventional SOTs efficiencies and generate unconventional SOTs with out-of-plane spin polarization to develop low power Pt-based spintronic via tailoring the Pt/FM interface.

Perpendicular magnetization switching by large spin-orbit torques from sputtered Bi2Te3

Spin-orbit torque(SOT)effect is considered as an efficient way to switch the magnetization and can inspire various high-performance spintronic devices.Recently,topological insulators(TIs)have gained extensive attention,as they are demonstrated to maintain a large effective spin Hall angle(θeff SH),even at room temperature.However,molecular beam epitaxy(MBE),as a precise deposition method,is required to guarantee favorable surface states of TIs,which hinders the prospect of TIs towards industrial application.In this paper,we demonstrate that Bi2Te3 films grown by magnetron sputtering can provide a notable SOT effect in the heterostructure with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy CoTb ferrimagnetic alloy.By harmonic Hall measurement,a high SOT efficiency(8.7±0.9 Oe/(10^9 A/m^2))and a largeθ^eff SH(3.3±0.3)are obtained at room temperature.Besides,we also observe an ultra-low critical switching current density(9.7×10^9 A/m^2).Moreover,the low-power characteristic of the sputtered Bi2Te3 film is investigated by drawing a comparison with different sputtered SOT sources.Our work may provide an alternative to leverage chalcogenides as a realistic and efficient SOT source in future spintronic devices.

Giant interface spin-orbit torque in NiFe/Pt bilayers

The current-induced spin-orbit torque(SOT)plays a dominant role to manipulate the magnetization in a heavy metal/ferromagnetic metal bilayer.We separate the contributions of interfacial and bulk spin-orbit coupling(SOC)to the effective field of field-like SOT in a typical NiFe/Pt bilayer by planar Hall effect(PHE).The effective field from interfacial SOC is directly measured at the transverse PHE configuration.Then,at the longitudinal configuration,the effective field from bulk SOC is determined,which is much smaller than that from interfacial SOC.The giant interface SOT in NiFe/Pt bilayers suggests that further analysis of interfacial effects on the current-induced manipulation of magnetization is necessary.

Spin switching in antiferromagnets using Néel-order spin-orbit torques

Antiferromagnets offer considerable potential for electronic device applications. This article reviews recent demonstrations of spin manipulation in antiferromagnetic devices using applied electrical currents. Due to spin–orbit coupling in environments with particular crystalline or structural symmetries, the electric current can induce an effective magnetic field with a sign that alternates on the lengthscale of the unit cell. The staggered effective field provides an efficient mechanism for switching antiferromagnetic domains and moving antiferromagnetic domain walls, with writing speeds in the terahertz regime.

Influence of exchange bias on spin torque ferromagnetic resonance for quantification of spin–orbit torque efficiency

Antiferromagnet(AFM)/ferromagnet(FM)heterostructure is a popular system for studying the spin–orbit torque(SOT)of AFMs.However,the interfacial exchange bias field induces that the magnetization in FM layer is noncollinear to the external magnetic field,namely the magnetic moment drag effect,which further influences the characteristic of SOT efficiency.In this work,we study the SOT efficiencies of IrMn/NiFe bilayers with strong interfacial exchange bias by using spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance(ST-FMR)method.A full analysis on the AFM/FM systems with exchange bias is performed,and the angular dependence of magnetization on external magnetic field is determined through the minimum rule of free energy.The ST-FMR results can be well fitted by this model.We obtained the relative accurate SOT efficiencyξ_(DL)=0.058 for the IrMn film.This work provides a useful method to analyze the angular dependence of ST-FMR results and facilitates the accurate measurement of SOT efficiency for the AFM/FM heterostructures with strong exchange bias.

Harmonics in the Squirrel Cage Induction Motor Analytic Calculation Part III: Influence on the Torque-speed Characteristic

The harmonics that appear in the squirrel cage asynchronous machine have been discussed in great detail in the literature for a long time. However, the systematization of the phenomenon is still pending, so we made an attempt to fill this gap in the previous parts of our study by elaborating formulas for calculation of parasitic torques. It was a general demand among those who work in this field towards the author to verify his formulas with measurements. In the literature, it seems,only one detailed, purposeful series of measurements has been published so far, the purpose of which was to investigate the effect of the number of rotor slots on the torque-speed characteristic curve of the machine. The main goal of this study is to verify the correctness of the formulas by comparing them with the referred series of measurements. Relying on this, the expected synchronous parasitic torques were developed for the frequently used rotor slot numbers-as a design guide for the engineer.Thus, together with our complete table for radial magnetic pull published in our previous work, the designer has all the principles, data and formulas available for the right number of rotor slots for his given machine and for the drive system. This brings this series of papers to an end.

Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Aerodynamic Torque for Axle-Mounted Train Brake Discs

As the velocity of a train increases,the corresponding air pumping power consumption of the brake discs increases proportionally.In the present experimental study,a standard axle-mounted brake disc with circumferential pillars was analyzed using a 1:1 scale model and a test rig in a wind tunnel.In particular,three upstream velocities were selected on the basis of earlier investigations of trains operating at 160,250,and 400 km/h,respectively.Moreover,3D steady computational fluid dynamics(CFD)simulations of the flow field were conducted to compare with the wind tunnel test outcomes.The results for a 3-car train at 180 km/h demonstrated:(1)good agreement between the air resistance torques obtained from the wind tunnel tests and the related numerical results,with differences ranging from 0.95%to 5.88%;(2)discrepancies ranging from 3.2 to 3.8 N·m;(3)cooling ribs contributing more than 60%of the air resistance torque;(4)the fast rotation of brake discs causing a significantly different flow field near the bogie area,resulting in 25 times more air pumping power loss than that obtained in the stationary brake-disc case.

Laboratory Implementation of Direct Torque Controller based Speed Loop Pseudo Derivative Feedforward Controller for PMSM Drive

This paper,evaluate the effectiveness of a proposed speed loop pseudo derivative feedforward(PDFF)controller-based direct torque controller(DTC)for a PMSM drive against the performance of existing PI speed controller-based DTC and hysteresis current controller(HCC).The proposed PDFF-based speed regulator effectively reduces oscillation and overshoot associated with rotor angular speed,electromagnetic torque,and stator current.Two case studies,one using forward-to-reverse motoring operation and the other involving reverse-to-forward braking operation,has been validated to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.The proposed controller's superior performance is demonstrated through experimental verification utilizing an FPGA controller for a 1.5 kW PMSM drive laboratory prototype.

Airgap-harmonic-oriented Partitioned Design Method of PMV Motor with Improved Torque Performances

Here,we introduce a partitioned design method that is oriented toward airgap harmonic for permanent magnet vernier(PMV)motors.The method proposes the utilization of airgap flux harmonics as an effective bridge between the torque design region and the torque performances.To illustrate the efficacy of this method,a partitioned design PMV motor is presented and compared with the initial design.Firstly,the torque design region of the rotor is artfully divided into the torque enhancement region and ripple reduction region.Meanwhile,the main harmonics that generate output torque are chosen and enhanced,optimization.Moreover,the harmonics that generate torque ripple are selected and reduced based on torque harmonics optimization.Finally,the functions of the partitioned PMV motor torque are assessed based on the finite element method.By the purposeful design of these two regions,the output torque is strengthened while torque ripple is inhibited effectively,verifying the effectiveness and reasonability of the proposed design method.

Mechanism of field-like torque in spin-orbit torque switching of perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction

The current-induced spin-orbit torque(SOT) is one of the most promising ways for high speed and low power spintronics devices. However, the mechanism of SOT driven magnetization reversal, especially the role of the field-like torque(FLT), is still unclear. Here, we report the observed promotion and suppression of switching by FLT, which depends on the relative direction of FLT and spin polarization. Our results reveal that the FLT could modulate the switching speed and power consumption by affecting the work done by the damping-like torque, and leads two different reversal dynamical paths during the switching.Furthermore, the origin of incubation time in SOT induced switching is clarified simultaneously.

Harmonics in the Squirrel Cage Induction Motor Analytic Calculation-Part Ⅰ: Differential Leakage, Attenuation, Asynchronous Parasitic Torques

The magnetic field generated in the air gap of the cage asynchronous machine and the harmonics of the magnetomotive forces creating that magnetic field, as well as the related differential leakage, attenuation, asynchronous parasitic torques have been discussed in great detail in the literature, but always separately, for a long time. However, systematization of the phenomenon still awaits. Therefore, it is worth summarizing the completeness of the phenomena in a single study – with a new approach at the same time-in order to reveal the relationships between them. The role of rotor slot number is emphasized much more than before. An existing, commonly used, but still impractical basic figure has been modified to more clearly demonstrate the response of the rotor for the harmonics of the stator. The need to treat differential leakage, asynchronous parasitic torques and attenuation together will be demonstrated: new formula for asynchronous parasitic torque is derived;the long-used characteristic curves for differential leakage and attenuation used separately so far was merged into one, correct curve in order to provide a correct design guide for the engineers.

Harmonics in the Squirrel Cage Induction Motor,Analytic Calculation Part Ⅱ:Synchronous Parasitic Torques,Radial Magnetic Forces

The magnetic field generated in the air gap of the cage asynchronous machine and the harmonics of the magnetomotive forces creating that magnetic field,as well as the synchronous parasitic torques,radial magnetic forces have been discussed in great detail in the literature,but always separately,for a long time.However,systematization of the phenomenon still awaits.Therefore,it is worth summarizing the completeness of the phenomena in a single study–with a new approach at the same time-in order to reveal the relationships between them.The role of rotor slot number is emphasized much more than before.New formulas derived for both synchronous torques and radial magnetic forces are used for further investigation.It will be shown that both phenomena in subject must be treated together.Formulas will be provided to take into account attenuation.Design guide will be provided to avoid dangerous rotor slot numbers.It will be shown that the generation of synchronous torques and radial magnetic forces do not depend–in this new approach-on the slot combination,but on the rotor slot number itself.

New Topologies of High Torque Density Machine Based on Magnetic Field Modulation Principle

With the increasing demand for high torque density in motors,more and more new topologies emerge.Furthermore,the magnetic field modulation principle is widely concerned and has evolved into an effective analysis method for studying the new motor topology.This paper introduces the principle of magnetic field modulation.And the research on high torque density in recent years is reviewed from the perspective of magnetic field modulation,including permanent magnet vernier machine(PMVM),flux reverse machine(FRM),flux switching machine(FSM),dual permanent magnet(DPM)machine,and DC biased machine.The principle of magnetic field modulation makes it possible to propose higher torque density topologies in the future.

Analysis of an Axial-flux Slotted Limited-angle Torque Motor with Quasi-Halbach Array for Torque Performance Improvement

Better torque performance and higher reliability have long been the focus of research for slotted limited-angle torque motors(LATMs),which are primarily used to position first-stage valves in electrohydraulic servosystems.This paper presents a high reliability axial-flux slotted LATM with quasi-Halbach array for torque performance improvement including constant torque range(CTR)and output torque.Firstly,the structure with two sets of windings and the operation principle of the proposed slotted LATM is analyzed.Secondly,a brief design procedure is presented,the structure selections of open slot and double-stator single-rotor(DSSR)interior rotor with surface mounted quasi-Halbach permanent magnet(PM)array are illustrated,and the geometric parameters are optimized to obtain the optimal design of the proposed slotted LATM.Then,3-D finite-element method(FEM)is employed to compare the proposed slotted LATM with the conventional surface mounted PM slotted LATM in terms of cogging torque,no-load back EMF,and output torque,and the results show that the proposed LATM with quasi-Halbach array has a 10%improvement in output torque and a 25%improvement in CTR.Meanwhile,the flux linkages and torque performance of the two sets of windings under various conditions verify good magnetic isolation.Finally,prototypes of two different rotor types are manufactured and a series of experiments are performed to validate the analysis.

Permanent Magnet Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor with Asymmetric Rotor for High Torque Performance

Permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor(PMA-SynRM)is a kind of high torque density energy conversion device widely used in modern industry.In this paper,based on the basic topology of PMA-SynRM,a novel PMA-SynRM of asymmetric rotor with position-biased magnet is proposed.The asymmetric rotor design with position-biased magnet realizes the concentration of magnetic field lines in the motor air gap to obtain higher electromagnetic torque,and makes both of magnetic and reluctance torque obtain the peak value at the same current phase angle.The asymmetric rotor configuration is theoretically illustrated by space vector diagram,and the feasibility of high torque performance of the motor is verified.Through the finite element simulation,the effect of the side barrier on output torque and the Mises stress under the rotor asymmetrical design are analyzed.Then the motor characteristics including airgap flux density,back EMF,magnetic torque,reluctance torque,torque ripple,losses,and efficiency are calculated for both the basic and proposed PMA-SynRMs.The results show that the proposed PMA-SynRM has higher torque and efficiency than the basic topology.Moreover,the torque ripple of the proposed PMA-SynRM is reduced by the method with harmonic current injection,and the torque characteristics in the whole current cycle are analyzed.Finally,the endurance to avoid PM demagnetization is confirmed based on the PM remanence calculation.

Spin–orbit torque in perpendicularly magnetized[Pt/Ni]multilayers

The performance of spin–orbit torque(SOT)in heavy metal/ferromagnetic metal periodic multilayers has attracted widespread attention.In this paper,we have successfully fabricated a series of perpendicular magnetized[Pt(2-t)/Ni(t)]_4 multilayers,and studied the SOT in the multilayers by varying the thickness of Ni layer t.The current induced magnetization switching was achieved with a critical current density of 1×10^(7)A/cm^(2).The damping-like SOT efficiencyξ_(DL)was extracted from an extended harmonic Hall measurement.We demonstrated that theξ_(DL)can be effectively modulated by t_(Pt)/t_(Ni)ratio of Pt and Ni in the multilayers.The SOT investigation about the[Pt/Ni]N multilayers might provide new material candidates for practical perpendicular SOT-MRAM devices.