Analytical expression for the harmonic Hall voltages in evaluating spin orbit torques

Abstract

Solid understanding of current induced torques is key to the development of current and voltage controlled magnetization dynamics in ultrathin magnetic heterostructures. A versatile technique is needed to evaluate such torques in various systems. Here we examine the adiabatic (low frequency) harmonic Hall voltage measurement that has been recently developed to study current induced effective field that originate from the spin orbit effects. We analytically derive a form that can be used to evaluate the harmonic Hall voltages and extract relevant parameters in two representative systems, i.e. out of plane and in-plane magnetized systems. Contributions from the anomalous Hall and planar Hall effects are considered.