Magnetism. Blowing magnetic skyrmion bubbles

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Topological transitions are observed during the formation of soap bubbles from thin films.
• Magnetic skyrmions are particle-like magnetic structures with topological properties.
• Controlling magnetic skyrmions is crucial for developing advanced spintronic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the generation of magnetic skyrmion bubbles in a solid-state system.
• To investigate the role of spin-orbit torque in skyrmion bubble formation.
• To explore the manipulation and dynamics of these dynamically created skyrmions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an inhomogeneous in-plane current in a system with broken inversion symmetry.
• Experimentally generated magnetic skyrmion bubbles from a geometrical constriction.
• Analyzed instabilities in magnetic domain structures, analogous to Rayleigh-Plateau instabilities.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated magnetic skyrmion bubbles using current-driven methods.
• Identified a phase diagram governing skyrmion formation.
• Demonstrated efficient manipulation of dynamically created skyrmions, including depinning and motion.

Conclusions:

• The current-driven transformation from stripe domains to magnetic skyrmion bubbles is feasible.
• This method offers a novel approach for creating and controlling magnetic skyrmions.
• The findings could significantly advance the field of skyrmion-based spintronics.