Observation of Phase-transition-induced magnetism modulation in metal/VO₂ heterostructures

High efficiency manipulation of magnetic properties is of great interest for fundamental science and applications. However, facile strategies with more modulating freedom are are still highly desired. In this work, NiFe (easy axis in-plane) and Co/Pt multilayers (easy axis out-of-plane) are combined with a strongly correlated electron systems VO₂ to fabricate newly artificial metal/oxide heterostructures. [1, 2] It endows the spintronic material with extraordinary multiple control ability of magnetism (e.g., anisotropy, magnetization, etc.) via light or temperature change based on the interfacial strain coupling. Utilizing its multiple modulation feature, a phase-transition anisotropic magnetoresistance (PTAMR) device is fabricated. The special features which distinguish from traditional materials can further benefit the emerging device applications. Our work, as an example of phase-transition spintronics, can certainly pave the way for next-generation electronics.

1) Guodong Wei, Xiaoyang Lin et al. arXiv: 1805.02453.
2) Guodong Wei, Xiaoyang Lin et al. arXiv: 1809.06999.