Unidirectional magnetoresistance and spin-orbit torque in NiMnSb

Electrical detection of magnetization reversal typically requires three-terminal devices or nanoscopic heterostructures, such as magnetic tunnel junctions. Recently, the so-called unidirectional magnetoresistance has been discovered, which allows detecting magnetization reversals using two-terminal measurements. Here, the authors theoretically and experimentally study the unidirectional magnetoresistance in bulk ferromagnetic NiMnSb and show that its origin is not directly related to the current-induced spin accumulation that gives rise to the spin-orbit torques. They also show the emergence of components transverse to the electric field.