Creating zero-field skyrmions in exchange-biased multilayers through X-ray illumination

Abstract

Skyrmions, magnetic textures with topological stability, hold promises for high-density and energy-efficient information storage devices owing to their small size and low driving-current density. Precise creation of a single nanoscale skyrmion is a prerequisite to further understand the skyrmion physics and tailor skyrmion-based applications. Here, we demonstrate the creation of individual skyrmions at zero-field in an exchange-biased magnetic multilayer with exposure to soft X-rays. In particular, a single skyrmion with 100-nm size can be created at the desired position using a focused X-ray spot of sub-50-nm size. This single skyrmion creation is driven by the X-ray-induced modification of the antiferromagnetic order and the corresponding exchange bias. Furthermore, artificial skyrmion lattices with various arrangements can be patterned using X-ray. These results demonstrate the potential of accurate optical control of single skyrmion at sub-100 nm scale. We envision that X-ray could serve as a versatile tool for local manipulation of magnetic orders.

Spin-wave spectroscopy of individual ferromagnetic nanodisks

“…26) and X-ray microscopy provides dynamic magnetization imaging with a resolution as fine as 30 nm. 27,28 At the same time, so far only few BLS studies are based on near-field optics while for X-ray imaging large-scale facilities are required. Therefore, the development of easy-to-use experimental techniques for the deduction of magnetic properties of individual nanoelements is of crucial importance.…”

Magnetic Skyrmions in a Hall Balance with Interfacial Canted Magnetizations

“…[ 18 ] Extensive research into skyrmions and their dynamics near room temperature (RT) in ferromagnets has greatly extended their use in spintronic devices because of their robust thermal stability and tunability. [ 19–25 ] However, the skyrmion Hall effect (SkHE), observed as a deflection with respect to the current direction, leads to the lateral accumulation and annihilation of skyrmions, [ 26 ] which greatly hinders ferromagnetic skyrmion‐based applications. These fundamental limitations are being addressed by investigating the behavior of skyrmions in ferrimagnets and antiferromagnets.…”

Electron Beam Lithography of Magnetic Skyrmions

“…Recently, various new methods for the local creation of skyrmions have been established, such as using a scanning tunneling microscopy tip, [ 20,32 ] a focused laser beam, [ 33 ] as well as synchrotron X‐rays. [ 34 ] However, the efficiency of skyrmion creation is very low, and all these methods are impractical in terms of device applications. To promote the exploitation of skyrmion lattices in fundamental research and practical application, it is thus crucial to realize artificial skyrmion lattices on a massive scale in a non‐destructive and reconfigurable manner.…”