Ultralow-Vertical-Current Magnetization Switching Effect in an All Van Der Waals 2D Heterostructure

Abstract The manipulation of magnetization and spin polarization using electrical currents represents a fundamental breakthrough in spintronics. It has formed the foundation for data storage and next-generation computing systems. Spin-transfer torque (STT) and spin-orbit torque (SOT) have emerged as prominent mechanisms in current-driven magnetization switching. However, these approaches typically require critical current densities in the range of 10⁶ to 10⁹ A⋅cm⁻², resulting in significant heat generation during data writing processes. Herein, we report the discovery of an ultralow-vertical-current magnetization switching effect in a van der Waals ferromagnetic/ferroelectric heterostructure based on the modulation of the critical magnetic field (H_C) using small vertical currents, with a critical current density as low as 1.81 A⋅cm⁻² and an average effective field (H_eff/J_C) as high as 150.3 mT⋅A⁻¹⋅cm². This unique magnetization switching effect with ultralow-critical-vertical-current densities typically six to nine orders of magnitude lower than those of the STT and SOT provides a new transformative and viable pathway for developing next-generation spintronic and quantum technologies.