Imaging of current induced Néel vector switching in antiferromagnetic Mn$_2$Au

Abstract

The effects of current induced Néel spin-orbit torques on the antiferromagnetic domain structure of epitaxial Mn$_2$Au thin films were investigated by X-ray magnetic linear dichroism - photoemission electron microscopy (XMLD-PEEM). We observed current induced switching of AFM domains essentially corresponding to morphological features of the samples. Reversible as well as irreversible Néel vector reorientation was obtained in different parts of the samples and the switching of up to 30 % of all domains in the field of view of 10 $μ$m is demonstrated. Our direct microscopical observations are compared to and fully consistent with anisotropic magnetoresistance effects previously attributed to current induced Néel vector switching in Mn$_2$Au.

5 pages, 4 figures