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Writing and deleting single magnetic skyrmions
Niklas Romming1, Christian Hanneken, Matthias Menzel
1Institute of Applied Physics, University of Hamburg, D-20355 Hamburg, Germany.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 10, 2013
Summary
Researchers demonstrated controlled writing and deletion of individual magnetic skyrmions in ultrathin films using spin-polarized currents. This highlights the potential of topological charge for advanced information storage.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Topologically nontrivial spin textures are crucial for spintronic device applications.
- Controlling individual magnetic skyrmions is a key challenge in the field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the controlled creation and annihilation of individual magnetic skyrmions.
- To explore the potential of topological charge for future information-storage concepts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an ultrathin magnetic film.
- Employed local spin-polarized currents from a scanning tunneling microscope for writing and deleting skyrmions.
- Adjusted external magnetic field and temperature to control the energy landscape and prevent thermal switching.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the ability to write and delete individual magnetic skyrmions in a controlled manner.
- Showed that switching rate and direction are controllable via current injection parameters.
- Confirmed the stability of skyrmions under controlled conditions.
Conclusions:
- Individual magnetic skyrmions can be manipulated with high precision using spin-polarized currents.
- The findings underscore the significant potential of utilizing topological charge in next-generation information-storage technologies.
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