Time‐Resolved Magnetization Switching Dynamics Driven by Orbital Torques

Orbital angular momentum provides an alternative means of exerting torques on magnetization, thereby extending electrically‐controlled magnetization switching beyond conventional spin torque mechanisms. Although current‐induced orbital torques and orbital switching of magnetization have been demonstrated, their real‐time switching dynamics remain largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate magnetization switching of Co films driven by orbital currents from CuO x on a nanosecond timescale, originating from the orbital Rashba‐Edelstein effect and converted into spin currents by an ultrathin Pt spacer. Using time‐resolved Hall effect detection, we separately resolve the incubation and propagation phases of switching, disentangling the roles of torque efficiency and Joule heating. We find that orbital currents can drive magnetization switching at relatively low electric fields compared to Pt devices, while Joule heating strongly assists the switching dynamics by lowering the effective energy barriers. These findings provide direct insight into orbital‐torque‐driven switching dynamics and point to both opportunities and challenges for orbitronics.