Spin Orbit Torque-Driven Magnetization Switching in Two-Dimensional Weyl Semimetal WTe₂/Py

In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) materials have been proposed as potential spin current sources for spin orbit torque (SOT)-driven magnetization switching. In particular, 1T’-WTe₂ is a new class of 2D Weyl semimetals, which possesses topologically-protected spin-momentum locking both in bulk and surface states as well as a good conductivity. Such properties make it a promising candidate as a spin current source. To date, however, SOT-driven magnetization switching has never been reported in either 2D materials or Weyl semimetals. Here, we extract the spin orbit torque efficiency (0.16) of WTe₂ thin films using a WTe₂ (10 nm)/Py (6 nm) heterostructure by the spin torque ferromagnetic resonance technique. Further, using MOKE imaging, we demonstrate SOT-induced magnetization switching in WTe₂/Py at room temperature. This work provides a new route for efficient spin current generation and manipulation of the magnetization.