Spin–orbit torque (SOT)-driven deterministic control of the magnetic state of a ferromagnet with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is key to next-generation spintronic applications including non-volatile, ultrafast and energy-efficient data-storage devices. However, field-free deterministic switching of perpendicular magnetization remains a challenge because it requires an out-of-plane antidamping torque, which is not allowed in conventional spin-source materials such as heavy metals and topological insulators due to the system’s symmetry. The exploitation of low-crystal symmetries in emergent quantum materials offers a unique approach to achieve SOTs with unconventional forms. Here we report an experimental realization of field-free deterministic magnetic switching of a perpendicularly polarized van der Waals magnet employing an out-of-plane antidamping SOT generated in layered WTe₂, a quantum material with a low-symmetry crystal structure. Our numerical simulations suggest that the out-of-plane antidamping torque in WTe₂ is essential to explain the observed magnetization switching.

自旋轨道扭矩 (SOT) 驱动的具有垂直磁各向异性的铁磁体磁态的确定性控制是下一代自旋电子应用的关键，包括非易失性、超快和节能的数据存储设备。然而，垂直磁化的无场确定性切换仍然是一个挑战，因为它需要平面外的反阻尼转矩，这在传统的自旋源材料（如重金属和拓扑绝缘体）中是不允许的，因为系统的对称性。在新兴量子材料中利用低晶体对称性提供了一种独特的方法来实现具有非常规形式的 SOT。₂、具有低对称晶体结构的量子材料。我们的数值模拟表明，WTe ₂中的面外反阻尼转矩对于解释观察到的磁化转换至关重要。