Control of magnetization dynamics by spin-Nernst torque

Abstract

Relativistic interaction between an electron's spin and orbital angular momentum has provided an efficient mechanism to control the magnetization of nanomagnets. Extensive research has been done to understand and to improve spin-orbit-interaction-driven torques generated by nonmagnets by applying electric current. In this work, we show that heat current in a nonmagnet can also couple to its spin-orbit interaction to produce torque on the adjacent ferromagnet. Hence, this work provides a platform to study spin-orbito-caloritronic effects in heavy metal/ferromagnet bilayers.