Surface defects and skyrmions in magnetoelectric bilayers

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Investigates coupled ferroelectric and magnetic materials.
• Explores phenomena in layered magnetic films.
• Considers the role of defects in magnetic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model a magnetic film with competing interactions.
• To investigate skyrmion generation induced by defects.
• To analyze the influence of various parameters on spin configurations.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling of a multi-layer magnetic system.
• Analysis of defect-induced phenomena.
• Study of interlayer and magnetoelectric interactions.

Main Results:

• A hole-shaped defect in the ferroelectric layer induces skyrmions in the magnetic layer directly beneath it.
• Interlayer interactions enable skyrmion stabilization over a broad range of applied fields.
• Magnetoelectric interaction, defect size, and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction significantly affect ground-state spin configurations.

Conclusions:

• Defect engineering is a viable route for skyrmion generation in coupled magnetic-ferroelectric systems.
• The interplay of interactions dictates the magnetic phase behavior and skyrmion stability.
• This model provides insights into designing novel spintronic devices.