Control of current-induced spin-orbit effects in a ferromagnetic heterostructure by electric field

Abstract: We study the effects of electrostatic gating on the current-induced phenomena in ultrathin ferromagnet/heavy metal heterostructures. We utilize heterodyne detection and analysis of symmetry with respect to the direction of the magnetic field to separate electric field contributions to the magnetic anisotropy, current-induced field-like torque, and damping torque. Analysis of the electric field effects allows us to estimate the Rashba and the spin Hall contributions to the current-induced phenomena. Electrostatic gating can provide insight into the spin-orbit phenomena, and enable new functionalities in spintronic devices.