Spin–orbit torques

An emerging direction in spintronics aims at discovering novel phenomena and functionalities originating from spin–orbit coupling. The new field of spintronics based on the spin–orbit coupling is called spin-orbitronics. The spin-orbitronics technology promises smaller, faster, and far more energy efficient spin-based devices. Of particular importance in this field is the manipulation of magnetization. The spin–orbit coupling in structures with broken inversion symmetry triggers the transfer of orbital angular momentum from the lattice to the spin system, providing a route to generate a new family of spin torques: spin–orbit torques. The current-induced spin–orbit torques provide efficient and versatile ways to control the magnetic state and dynamics. This chapter reviews the spin–orbit torques, focusing on basic concepts and recent progress in this field.