Absence of significant spin current generation in Ti/FeCoB bilayers with strong interfacial spin-orbit coupling

Abstract

After one decade of the intensive theoretical and experimental explorations, whether interfacial spin-orbit coupling (ISOC) at metallic magnetic interfaces can effectively generate a spin current has remained in dispute. Here, utilizing the Ti/FeCoB bilayers that are unique for the negligible bulk spin Hall effect and the strong tunable ISOC, we establish that there is no significant charge-to-spin conversion at magnetic interfaces via spin-orbit filtering effect or Rashba-Edelstein(-like) effect even when the ISOC is stronger than that of a typical Pt/ferromagnet interface and can promote strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. We also find a minimal orbital Hall effect in 3d Ti.