• Accepted Paper

Programmable asymmetric spin-orbit torque switching for spin logic

Rongkun Han, Dahai Wei, Jianhua Zhao, and Yuan Lu

Phys. Rev. Applied - Accepted 15 September, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/gv8b-nd7t

Abstract

Spin logic devices provide a promising route toward ultralow-power and nonvolatile information processing. In this work, we demonstrate field-free spin-orbit torque (SOT)-induced asymmetric magnetization switching in an in-plane/perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (IMA/PMA) heterostructure, characterized by different critical switching currents under opposite current polarities. Combined experiments and macrospin simulations reveal that the asymmetric switching originates from an in-plane effective field Hy, which breaks the M_yz mirror symmetry of the system. By controlling the magnetization direction of the IMA layer, both the switching polarity and bias direction can be tuned. Building on four distinct types of asymmetric switching behaviors, we realize a reconfigurable spin logic operation within a single Hall-bar device. These results clarify the physical origin of asymmetric magnetization switching and demonstrate an approach for realizing reconfigurable spin logic devices.

Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

If the author has provided any supplemental materials with this article they will be available upon publication of the version of record.

Sign In to Your Journals Account

Filter

Filter

Article Lookup

Enter a citation