Enhanced Spin-Orbit Torque Induced by Interfacial Scattering in Ir/Pt Superlattice

Abstract The mechanisms of enhancing spin-orbit torque (SOT) have attracted significant attention, particularly regarding the influence of extrinsic scattering mechanisms on SOT efficiency, as they complement intrinsic contributions. In multilayer systems, extrinsic interfacial scattering, along with scattering from defects or impurities inside the materials, plays a crucial role in affecting the SOT efficiency. In this study, we successfully fabricated high-quality epitaxially grown [Ir/Pt] N superlattices with an increasing number of interfaces using a magnetron sputtering system to investigate the contribution of extrinsic interfacial scattering to SOT efficiency. We measured SOT efficiency through spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance methods and determined the spin Hall angle using the spin pumping technique. Additionally, we calculated spin transparency based on the SOT efficiency and spin Hall angle. Our findings indicate that the values of SOT efficiency, spin Hall angle, and spin transparency are enhanced in the superlattice structure compared to Pt, which we attribute to the increase in interfacial scattering. This research offers an effective strategy for designing and fabricating advanced spintronic devices.