A single layer spin-orbit torque nano-oscillator

Spin torque and spin Hall effect nano-oscillators generate high intensity spin wave auto-oscillations on the nanoscale enabling novel microwave applications in spintronics, magnonics, and neuromorphic computing. For their operation, these devices require externally generated spin currents either from an additional ferromagnetic layer or a material with a high spin Hall angle. Here we demonstrate highly coherent field and current tunable microwave signals from nano-constrictions in single 15–20 nm thick permalloy layers with oxide interfaces. Using a combination of spin torque ferromagnetic resonance measurements, scanning micro-Brillouin light scattering microscopy, and micromagnetic simulations, we identify the auto-oscillations as emanating from a localized edge mode of the nano-constriction driven by spin-orbit torques. Our results pave the way for greatly simplified designs of auto-oscillating nano-magnetic systems only requiring single ferromagnetic layers with oxide interfaces.