Strain effect on the perpendicular magnetization switching driven by spin–orbit torque

In this study, we investigate the influence of strain on spin–orbit torque and current-induced magnetization switching in Ta/Pt/Co/Ta heterostructures deposited on flexible polyimide substrates. By applying strain ranging from −12.5‰ (compressive) to 12.5‰ (tensile), we observe that increasing the strain amplitude reduces coercivity and enhances spin–orbit torque efficiency, collectively leading to a 28.6% reduction in switching current density. The lowest achieved switching current density is 3.07 MA/cm2. Our findings demonstrate strain-mediated tuning of spin–orbit torque and underscore the potential of such heterostructures for flexible spintronic applications.