Topological surface states originated spin-orbit torques in Bi2Se3

Yi Wang, Praveen Deorani, Karan Banerjee, Nikesh Koirala, Matthew Brahlek, Seongshik Oh, Hyunsoo Yang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

284 Scopus citations

Abstract

The three dimensional topological insulator bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) is expected to possess strong spin-orbit coupling and spin-textured topological surface states and, thus, exhibit a high charge to spin current conversion efficiency. We evaluate spin-orbit torques in Bi2Se3/Co40Fe40B20 devices at different temperatures by spin torque ferromagnetic resonance measurements. As the temperature decreases, the spin-orbit torque ratio increases from ∼0.047 at 300 K to ∼0.42 below 50 K. Moreover, we observe a significant out-of-plane torque at low temperatures. Detailed analysis indicates that the origin of the observed spin-orbit torques is topological surface states in Bi2Se3. Our results suggest that topological insulators with strong spin-orbit coupling could be promising candidates as highly efficient spin current sources for exploring the next generation of spintronic applications.

Original languageEnglish
Article number257202
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume114
Issue number25
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 24 2015
Externally publishedYes

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