First-principles theory of proximity spin-orbit torque on a two-dimensional magnet: Current-driven antiferromagnet-to-ferromagnet reversible transition in bilayer CrI₃

The recently discovered two-dimensional (2D) magnetic insulator CrI₃ is an intriguing case for basic research and spintronic applications since it is a ferromagnet in the bulk, but an antiferromagnet in bilayer form, with its magnetic ordering amenable to external manipulations. Using first-principles quantum transport approach, we predict that injecting unpolarized charge current parallel to the interface of bilayer-CrI₃/monolayer-TaSe₂ van der Waals heterostructure will induce spin-orbit torque (SOT) and thereby driven dynamics of magnetization on the first monolayer of CrI₃ in direct contact with TaSe₂. By combining calculated complex angular dependence of SOT with the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation for classical dynamics of magnetization, we demonstrate that current pulses can switch the direction of magnetization on the first monolayer to become parallel to that of the second monolayer, thereby converting CrI₃ from antiferromagnet to ferromagnet while not requiring any external magnetic field. The transition can be detected by passing vertical read current through the vdW heterostructure, encapsulated by bilayer of hexagonal boron nitride and sandwiched between graphite electrodes, where we find tunneling magnetoresistance of 240% [1].
[1] K. Dolui et al. arXiv:1910.10161