Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) plays a crucial role in controlling the spin-charge conversion efficiency, spin torque, and complex magnetic spin structures. In this study, we investigate the interplay between SOC and ferromagnetism in heterostructures of large-SOC and magnetic materials. We highlight the importance of the SOC-proximity effect on magnetic ordering in all-van der Waals-layered heterostructures, specifically Fe3GeTe2(FGT)/monolayer W1-xVxSe2 (x = 0 and 0.05). By increasing the SOC strength, we demonstrate various magnetic orderings induced at the interface of the heterostructure, including spin-flop, spin-flip, and inverted magnetization. Moreover, we show a sharp magnetic switching from antiferromagnetic state to ferromagnetic state in FGT/W0.95V0.05Se2, which is characteristic of the synthetic antiferromagnetic structure. This proof-of-concept result offers the possibility of interface-tailoring spintronics, including two-dimensional magnetoresistive random access memory toggle switching. Our findings provide insight into the design and development of next-generation spintronic devices by exploiting the interplay between SOC and magnetic ordering in all-van der Waals-layered heterostructures.
Keywords: proximity effect; spintronics; spin−orbit coupling; tunable magnetic order; two-dimensional vdW heterostructure.