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Tunable Room Temperature Magnetic Skyrmions in Ir/Fe/Co/Pt Multilayers (1606.06034v3)

Published 20 Jun 2016 in cond-mat.mes-hall and cond-mat.mtrl-sci

Abstract: Magnetic skyrmions are nanoscale topological spin structures offering great promise for next-generation information storage technologies. The recent discovery of sub-100 nm room temperature (RT) skyrmions in several multilayer films has triggered vigorous efforts to modulate their physical properties for their use in devices. Here we present a tunable RT skyrmion platform based on multilayer stacks of Ir/Fe/Co/Pt, which we study using X-ray microscopy, magnetic force microscopy and Hall transport techniques. By varying the ferromagnetic layer composition, we can tailor the magnetic interactions governing skyrmion properties, thereby tuning their thermodynamic stability parameter by an order of magnitude. The skyrmions exhibit a smooth crossover between isolated (metastable) and disordered lattice configurations across samples, while their size and density can be tuned by factors of 2 and 10 respectively. We thus establish a platform for investigating functional sub-50 nm RT skyrmions, pointing towards the development of skyrmion-based memory devices.

Citations (617)

Summary

  • The paper shows that tuning the ferromagnetic layer composition in Ir/Fe/Co/Pt stacks modulates skyrmion stability by an order of magnitude.
  • It reveals control over skyrmion state transitions, achieving up to 10-fold density variations and 2-fold size adjustments across samples.
  • The study employs comprehensive analytical techniques, including X-ray microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, and Hall transport measurements, to validate its findings.

Overview of Tunable Room Temperature Magnetic Skyrmions in Ir/Fe/Co/Pt Multilayers

This paper presents a comprehensive paper on the tunability of magnetic skyrmions at room temperature within multilayer stacks composed of Ir/Fe/Co/Pt. The focus is on the potential integration of skyrmions into next-generation information storage technology, given their unique topological spin structures and sub-100 nm dimensions.

Key Contributions

The research exploits the multilayer composition of Ir/Fe/Co/Pt films to modulate the magnetic interactions essential for skyrmion behavior. The primary contributions can be summarized as follows:

  • Tunable Skyrmion Properties: By altering the ferromagnetic layer composition, the paper demonstrates the capacity to adjust the thermodynamic stability parameters of skyrmions. This capability is critical for enhancing their suitability for device applications.
  • Variable Skyrmion Configuration: The ability to orchestrate a smooth transition between isolated (or metastable) skyrmion states and disordered lattice configurations is shown across different samples. This tunability extends to controlling skyrmion size and density, achieving variances by factors of 2 and 10, respectively.
  • Comprehensive Analytical Techniques: The investigation employs X-ray microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, and Hall transport measurements, providing a robust framework for analyzing skyrmion configurations and their properties.

Strong Numerical Results

One of the salient features of this research is the demonstration of a significant tuning range for skyrmion-related parameters, especially the thermodynamic stability, which is altered by an order of magnitude. This level of control is pivotal for the practical application of skyrmions in technological contexts where stability and predictability are imperative.

Theoretical and Practical Implications

From a theoretical standpoint, the tunability reported in this paper advances the understanding of skyrmionics and their interaction with multilayer compositions. It sets a precedent for future theoretical models aiming to predict skyrmion behavior under varying material conditions.

Practically, this paper establishes a foundational platform that supports the design and development of skyrmion-based memory devices. The demonstrated control over skyrmion characteristics paves the way for practical implementation in data storage applications, where dense and stable data writing capabilities are highly sought after.

Future Developments

Given the versatile control over skyrmion properties, future research could explore the integration of this tunable platform with electronic circuits, potentially leading to the synthesis of skyrmion-based transistors or similar devices. Further, understanding long-term stability and resilience of these configurations under operational stresses would be a natural progression in translating laboratory findings into industrial applications.

In summary, the paper outlines an extensive investigation into the modulation of skyrmion properties in multilayers, accentuating their viability for future information storage devices. This paper represents a valuable contribution to the expanding field of skyrmionics, offering both practical insights and theoretical advancements.