Orbital torque and efficient magnetization switching using ultrathin Co|Al light-metal interfaces: Experiments and modeling

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Main Authors: Sebe, N., Pezo, A., Krishnia, S., Collin, S., George, J. -M., Fert, A., Cros, V., Jaffrès, H.
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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_version_ 1866909972492713984
author Sebe, N.
Pezo, A.
Krishnia, S.
Collin, S.
George, J. -M.
Fert, A.
Cros, V.
Jaffrès, H.
author_facet Sebe, N.
Pezo, A.
Krishnia, S.
Collin, S.
George, J. -M.
Fert, A.
Cros, V.
Jaffrès, H.
contents The emergence of the orbital degree of freedom in modern orbitronics offers a promising alternative to heavy metals for the efficient control of magnetization. In this context, identifying interfaces that exhibit orbital-momentum locking and an orbital Rashba-Edelstein response to an external electric field is of primary importance. In this work, we experimentally investigate the Co/Al system and extend the study to Co/Pt/Al structures. We show that inserting ultrathin Pt layers between Co and Al can significantly modify the orbital properties, highlighting the critical role of Co/Al orbital bonding in generating orbital polarization. We further model the orbital response of these systems using semi-phenomenological approaches and linear-response theory within the framework of density-functional theory.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2512_18419
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Orbital torque and efficient magnetization switching using ultrathin Co|Al light-metal interfaces: Experiments and modeling
Sebe, N.
Pezo, A.
Krishnia, S.
Collin, S.
George, J. -M.
Fert, A.
Cros, V.
Jaffrès, H.
Materials Science
Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
The emergence of the orbital degree of freedom in modern orbitronics offers a promising alternative to heavy metals for the efficient control of magnetization. In this context, identifying interfaces that exhibit orbital-momentum locking and an orbital Rashba-Edelstein response to an external electric field is of primary importance. In this work, we experimentally investigate the Co/Al system and extend the study to Co/Pt/Al structures. We show that inserting ultrathin Pt layers between Co and Al can significantly modify the orbital properties, highlighting the critical role of Co/Al orbital bonding in generating orbital polarization. We further model the orbital response of these systems using semi-phenomenological approaches and linear-response theory within the framework of density-functional theory.
title Orbital torque and efficient magnetization switching using ultrathin Co|Al light-metal interfaces: Experiments and modeling
topic Materials Science
Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.18419