Manipulating topological states by imprinting non-collinear spin textures

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Topological magnetic states, including chiral skyrmions, are crucial for spintronics but typically require low temperatures and specific materials.
• Controlling topological charges in magnetic textures remains a significant challenge for practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate the design of spin textures with controllable topological charge densities at ambient temperatures.
• To investigate the imprinting of in-plane spin textures into out-of-plane magnetized materials via interlayer coupling.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing vertically stacked nanopatterned magnetic heterostructures, specifically a Co/Pd multilayer coupled to Permalloy.
• Tuning interlayer coupling to control spin texture formation.
• Applying small magnetic fields to switch between topologically distinct textures at remanence.

Main Results:

• Observation of distinct spin textures, including vortices, tunable magnetic swirls, donut states, and varied skyrmion core configurations.
• Demonstration of imprinting in-plane non-collinear spin textures into an out-of-plane magnetized layer.
• Achieved reliable switching between topologically distinct textures at remanence using a small magnetic field.

Conclusions:

• Ambient temperature control of topological magnetic states is achievable through engineered heterostructures.
• Tunable interlayer coupling offers a pathway to design and manipulate complex spin textures.
• This work paves the way for novel spintronics devices utilizing controllable topological magnetic states.