Current Induced Spin–Orbit Torques in Ferromagnetic Systems

Abstract

Current induced spin–orbit torques (SOTs) in ferromagnetic systems have emerged as a promising route for efficient manipulation of magnetization in spintronic devices. These torques arise from strong spin–orbit coupling in heavy metal/ferromagnet heterostructures and can enable low power, high speed switching of magnetic bits without applied magnetic fields. This article reviews the fundamental mechanisms of SOTs, including the spin Hall and Rashba–Edelstein effects, and examines their influence on magnetization dynamics. We discuss experimental techniques for characterizing SOTs, key material systems that exhibit strong torques, and challenges for device integration. The analysis highlights recent advancements in engineering large effective fields and optimizing torque efficiency for application in memory and logic technologies