Spin+Orbit Coupling: Orbitronics and spin-orbit effects (A01)

• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 268565370

Project A01 explores the field of orbitronics including novel current-induced orbital torques for efficient spin switching. These torques are based on the generation of orbital angular momentum by the orbital Hall and orbital Rashba Edelstein effects that can be orders of magnitude more efficient than the equivalent effects for spin. We will study these mechanisms and the conversion of orbital angular momentum to spin that eventually leads to the generation of torques. Beyond spin and orbital torques, self torques are generated in these systems with symmetry breaking. We identify the torque origin and determine the mechanism leading to these torques. Finally, we study the effects of all these torques on selected antiferromagnetic systems to optimize the current-induced switching of devices with such magnetic order.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 173: Spin+X: Spin in its collective environment
• Applicant Institution: Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität Kaiserslautern-Landau
• Co-Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Mathias Kläui