Optical detection of spin orbit torque and current induced heating

Abstract

We have studied spin orbit torque in heavy metal (HM)/ferromagnetic metal (FM) bilayers using magneto-optical Kerr effect. A double modulation technique is developed to separate signals from spin orbit torque and Joule heating. At a current density of ~1x10$^{10}$ A/m$^2$, we observe optical signals that scale linearly and quadratically with the current density, both in similar magnitude. The spin orbit torque estimated using this technique is consistent with that evaluated using spin transport measurements. We find that changes in the refractive index of the film with temperature is the main source of the heating induced signal.