Diode and Selective Routing Functionalities Controlled by Geometry in Current-Induced Spin–Orbit Torque Driven Magnetic Domain Wall Devices

Abstract

Research on current-induced domain wall (DW) motion in heavy metal/ferromagnet structures is crucial for advancing memory, logic, and computing devices. Here, we demonstrate that adjusting the angle between the DW conduit and the current direction provides an additional degree of control over the current-induced DW motion. A DW conduit with a 45° section relative to the current direction enables asymmetrical DW behavior: for one DW polarity, motion proceeds freely, while for the opposite polarity, motion is impeded or even blocked in the 45° zone, depending on the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction strength. This enables the device to function as a DW diode. Leveraging this velocity asymmetry, we designed a Y-shaped DW conduit with one input and two output branches at +45° and −45°, functioning as a DW selector. A DW injected into the junction exits through one branch, while a reverse polarity DW exits through the other, demonstrating selective DW routing.