Spin splitting torque–induced perpendicular magnetization field-free switching in the heterostructure
Phys. Rev. Applied 26, 024060 – Published 21 August, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/r8ck-3pbm
Abstract
Exploring materials with unconventional spin transport properties and manipulating magnetic moments are core focuses in spintronics. Herein, we report the crystallographic orientation-dependent field-free switching of perpendicular magnetization in heterostructure, driven by spin splitting torque of . Unlike -based systems, the eliminates confounding factors including crystal structural effects and perpendicular magnetic moment tilting, which allows us to attribute field-free switching exclusively to antiferromagnetic order. When the Néel vector in deviates from the [001] easy axis and acquires an out-of-plane component, the anisotropic spin splitting effect generates out-of-plane spin polarization spin current, which provides damping-like torque to drive field-free switching at a critical current density of approximately . Complemented by temperature-dependent oscillating exchange bias that reverses sign at 90 K, our results unambiguously confirm the antiferromagnetic order of in the heterostructure. This work offers evidence for spin splitting torque in -based heterostructures, deepens the understanding of altermagnetic spin transport, and paves the way for the development of field-free spintronic devices.