Exploring the potentials of spin-orbitronics

This lecture will provide a theoretical perspective of the advancement of the fascinating field of spin-orbitronics, focusing on two emblematic mechanisms: the spin-orbit torque and the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. I will examine what theory and materials modeling can tell us about these two effects, and what future research directions they open. I will first introduce key concepts in spintronics, such as spin currents and spintransfer torque, and show how spin-orbit coupling enables new physical effects of high interest for potential applications. I will present standard phenomenological descriptions of these two effects, spin-orbit torque and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, determine the symmetry rules that govern them, and give a broad overview of the current state-of-the-art of the field from experimental and theoretical standpoints. Finally, I will explore how spin-orbitronics takes a completely new form in materials possessing low crystalline symmetries, such as Fe3GeTe2, CuPt/CoPt bilayers, and noncollinear antiferromagnets (e.g., Mn3Sn).