Spin-orbit torque-driven skyrmion dynamics revealed by time-resolved X-ray microscopy

Abstract

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically-protected spin textures with attractive properties suitable for high-density and low-power spintronic device applications. Much effort has been dedicated to understanding the dynamical behaviours of the magnetic skyrmions. However, experimental observation of the ultrafast dynamics of this chiral magnetic texture in real space, which is the hallmark of its quasiparticle nature, has so far remained elusive. Here, we report nanosecond-dynamics of a 100 nm-size magnetic skyrmion during a current pulse application, using a time-resolved pump-probe soft X-ray imaging technique. We demonstrate that distinct dynamic excitation states of magnetic skyrmions, triggered by current-induced spin-orbit torques, can be reliably tuned by changing the magnitude of spin-orbit torques. Our findings show that the dynamics of magnetic skyrmions can be controlled by the spin-orbit torque on the nanosecond time scale, which points to exciting opportunities for ultrafast and novel skyrmionic applications in the future.

30 pages, 5 figures

References in corpus (4)

• Spontaneous Skyrmion Ground States in Magnetic Metals
• Additive interfacial chiral interaction in multilayers for stabilization of small individual skyrmion at room temperature
• Skyrmion Hall Effect Revealed by Direct Time-Resolved X-Ray Microscopy
• Breathing modes of confined skyrmions in ultrathin magnetic dots

Cited by in corpus (5)

• Skyrmions in Magnetic Multilayers
• Magnetic skyrmions in confined geometries : effect of the magnetic field and the disorder
• Element-specific soft X-ray spectroscopy, scattering and imaging studies of skyrmion-hosting compound Co${}_8$Zn${}_8$Mn${}_4$
• Spin-orbit-torque driven magnetoimpedance in Pt-layer/magnetic-ribbon heterostructures
• Artificial Neural Network Algorithm based Skyrmion Material Design of Chiral Crystals