Giant efficiency of long-range orbital torque in Co/Nb bilayers

Abstract: We report unambiguously experimental evidence of a strong orbital current in Nb films with weak spin-orbit coupling via the spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) spectrum for Fe/Nb and Co/Nb bilayers. The sign change of the damping-like torque in Co/Nb demonstrates a large spin-orbit correlation and thus great efficiency of orbital torque in Co/Nb. By studying the efficiency as a function of the thickness of Nb sublayer, we reveal a long orbital diffusion length (~3.1 nm) of Nb. Further planar Hall resistance (PHE) measurements at positive and negative applying current confirm the nonlocal orbital transport in ferromagnetic-metal/Nb heterostructures.