Current-Induced Magnetization Switching via 180° Néel Vector Reversal in Pt/CrO/Co Trilayers.

The 180° switching of the perpendicular Néel vector induced by the spin-orbit torque (SOT) presents significant potential for ultradense and ultrafast antiferromagnetic SOT-magnetoresistive random-access memory. However, its experimental realization remains a topic of intense debate. Here, unequivocal evidence is provided for the SOT-induced 180° switching of the perpendicular Néel vector in collinear antiferromagnetic CrO in a Pt/CrO/Co trilayer structure. It is demonstrated that the 180° switching of the perpendicular Néel vector in CrO can lead to the unconventional switching behavior of the Co layer on top of it. The switching polarity of the Co layer can be reversed after the insertion of the CrO layer. Moreover, the exchange bias directions are switched simultaneously with the Co layer. The switching ratio of the Co layer is sensitive to the antiferromagnetic states of CrO and can be tuned by field cooling. The results not only underpin the electrical switching of the perpendicular Néel vector in CrO but are also beneficial for the development of antiferromagnetic-based devices.