Three-dimensional skyrmionic cocoons in magnetic multilayers

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) spin textures are promising for spintronics.
• Stabilizing and characterizing these quasi-particles in practical systems is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To observe and characterize novel 3D magnetic textures in aperiodic multilayer films.
• To investigate the properties and detection methods of these textures for spintronic applications.

Main Methods:

• Room temperature magnetic force microscopy (MFM) to visualize textures.
• Micromagnetic simulations to analyze chiral and topological properties.
• Magneto-transport measurements for electrical detection.

Main Results:

• Observation of ellipsoidal 3D magnetic textures, termed 'skyrmionic cocoons', in the interior of multilayer films.
• Coexistence of skyrmionic cocoons with standard tubular skyrmions, evidenced by distinct MFM contrasts.
• Successful electrical detection of skyrmionic cocoons via magneto-transport measurements.

Conclusions:

• Skyrmionic cocoons represent a novel class of 3D magnetic quasi-particles.
• These textures can be characterized and electrically detected, paving the way for their use in spintronic devices.
• The findings enhance the understanding and potential application of complex magnetic textures.