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.