Field-free switching of perpendicular magnetic elements by using two orthogonal sub-nanosecond spin-orbit torque pulses

We propose a field-free switching mechanism that utilizes two spatially orthogonal spin-orbit torque (SOT) currents. Initially applied simultaneously, one of the currents is subsequently switched off. The superposition of these two currents results in an in-plane magnetization, which is not orthogonal to the remaining SOT current after the second one is deactivated. This symmetry-breaking procedure leads to reproducible and rapid switching, with field pulse durations as short as 0.25 ns.