Stabilization of Magnetic Skyrmions on Arrays of Self-Assembled Hexagonal Nanodomes for Magnetic Recording Applications

Abstract

Magnetic skyrmions are nontrivial spin textures which resist external perturbations, being promising candidates for the next generation recording devices. Nevertheless, a major challenge in realizing skyrmion-based devices is the stabilization of ordered arrays of these spin textures under ambient conditions and zero applied field. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the formation and stabilization of magnetic skyrmions on arrays of self-assembled hexagonal nanodomes taking advantage of the intrinsic properties of its curved geometry. Magnetic force microscopy images from the arrays of 100 nm nanodomes showed stable skyrmions at zero field that are arranged following the topography of the nanostructure. Micromagnetic simulations are compared to the experiments to determine the correlation of the domain textures with the topography of the samples. We propose a simple method to nucleate and annihilate skyrmions, opening the possibility for ultra-dense data storage based on the high stability and low energy consumption of the skyrmionic textures.

Spontaneous Topological Magnetic Transitions in NdCo5 Rare‐Earth Magnets

“…In these ferromagnetic materials, stripe domains usually appear as the magnetic ground state, where stabilizing the skyrmions is difficult in the absence of an external magnetic field unless external manipulation or extrinsic factors (e.g., geometrical confinement) are used to promote their formation at zero fields. [21][22][23][24] Requiring an external magnetic field in potential applications for skyrmions complicates the system and increases the energy consumption of devices. [25] Therefore, spontaneous magnetic skyrmions without external fields are critically appealing.…”

Intrinsic DMI-free skyrmion formation and robust dynamic behaviors in magnetic hemispherical shells

“…Compared with 2D planar geometry, the hemispherical shell structure used in this study has an advantage in terms of choosing materials, because the present geometry structure allows for the formation of stable skyrmions without an intrinsic DMI. With the advance in the development of nanofabrication technologies, such halfspherical caps can be synthesized by depositing a few layered or multilayered films onto 2D arrays of curvedsurface dot templates (e.g., spherical polystyrene particles 41,42 and nanoporous alumina membranes 43 ). Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in such films can also be realized using Co/Pt, Co/Ni, and Co/Pt interfaces.…”

“…Other electrical reading methods were also used to read and detect skyrmions in device applications via magnetic tunnel junction or skyrmion-induced Hall voltages 9 . In addition, it was reported that localized magnetic fields from a magnetic tip allow for direct writing and reading of isolated skyrmions 43 . With the help of advances in the development of 3D nanostructures [41][42][43] as well as high-frequency measurements 44 , thereby, the present results offer an alternative opportunity to design spintronic devices based on curved-geometry-induced skyrmion formation.…”

“…In addition, it was reported that localized magnetic fields from a magnetic tip allow for direct writing and reading of isolated skyrmions 43 . With the help of advances in the development of 3D nanostructures [41][42][43] as well as high-frequency measurements 44 , thereby, the present results offer an alternative opportunity to design spintronic devices based on curved-geometry-induced skyrmion formation. Additionally, since skyrmions possess the eigenfrequencies of dynamic modes in the GHz range, they show promise for magnonics applications such as skyrmion-based tunable resonators 45 .…”

Формирование скирмионных состояний в ионно-облученных тонких пленках CoPt

“…Тонкие многослойные пленки и сплавы вида ферромагнетик/тяжелый металл рассматриваются как перспективные носители для магнитной записи [1][2][3][4][5]. Фундаментальным " байтом" магнитной информации в таких слоях является специфическая магнитная наночастицамагнитный скирмион.…”