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    Thermal-annealing-induced symmetry breaking enables field-free spin-orbit-torque switching of a perpendicular ferrimagnet

    Baoshan Cui1,2,3,4,*, Pengxiang Zhao2,*, Cuimei Cao5,*, Jijun Yun6, Tengyu Guo3, Zengtai Zhu1,3, Wenjie Song3, Qingfeng Zhan7, Dan Liu8,† et al.

    Hao Wu1,2,3,4,‡, Haifeng Du9, Kang L. Wang4, Baogen Shen1,10, and Guoqiang Yu1,3,4,§

    • *These three authors contributed equally to this work.
    • †Contact author: liudan@btbu.edu.cn
    • ‡Contact author: wuhao1@sslab.org.cn
    • §Contact author: guoqiangyu@iphy.ac.cn

    Phys. Rev. Applied 25, 044015 – Published 7 April, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/xbwg-x8gp

    Abstract

    Current-induced spin-orbit torque (SOT) offers a promising approach for manipulating perpendicular magnetization in spintronic devices, enabling low-power and ultrafast applications. However, deterministic SOT switching typically requires an external in-plane magnetic field to break symmetry, complicating high-density device integration. Here, we demonstrate field-free SOT switching in the perpendicular ferrimagnet CoGd by inducting tilted magnetic anisotropy (TMA) via thermal annealing under an in-plane magnetic field. The TMA’s tilt angle is tunable by adjusting the annealing field strength, allowing deterministic switching when the in-plane TMA component aligns with the spin-polarization direction. This method leverages the low stray field, ultrafast spin dynamics, and high operation frequencies of ferrimagnet, offering a scalable solution for advanced spintronic devices.

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