Magnetization switching by asymmetric topological surfaces.

The development of spin-orbit-torque (SOT) devices has sparked considerable research interest, particularly in the quest for novel materials that exhibit high spin-to-charge conversion efficiencies for effective magnetic switching. However, optimizing structure and improving efficiency necessitate theoretical insights and material innovations. In this study, we employ first-principles calculations to investigate the persistent spin current in magnetic topological material MnSbTe. The weakly asymmetric topological surface states ensure that the spin currents in this system do not cancel out while facilitating high spin-to-charge conversion efficiency through spin-moment locking, thus unprecedentedly enabling SOT switching within a single layer. In experiments, we demonstrate a low critical current density of 7.3 × 10 A/cm for switching in epitaxial MnSbTe thin films, alongside a substantial SOT efficiency of ∼41 at 6 K, consistent with micromagnetic simulations. Additionally, the development of epitaxial heterostructures of MnSbTe/FeTe allows for the extraction of an exchange-bias-induced effective field, thereby enabling field-free SOT switching within these heterostructures.