Energy-efficient generation of skyrmion phases in Co/Ni/Pt-based multilayers using Joule heating

Abstract

We have studied the effects of electrical current pulses on skyrmion formation in a series of Co/Ni/Pt-based multilayers. Transmission X-ray microscopy reveals that by applying electrical current pulses of duration and current density on the order of $\tau$=50 $\mu$s and j=1.7x10${}^1$${}^0$ A/m${}^2$, respectively, in an applied magnetic field of $\mu$${}_0$Hz=50 mT, stripe-to-skyrmion transformations are attained. The skyrmions remain stable across a wide range of magnetic fields, including zero field. The skyrmions then remain stable across a wide range of magnetic fields, including zero field. We primarily attribute the transformation to current-induced Joule heating on the order of ~125 K. Reducing the magnetic moment and perpendicular anisotropy using thin rare-earth spacers dramatically reduces the pulse duration, current density, and magnetic field necessary to 25 $\mu$s, 2.4x10${}^9$ A/m${}^2$, and 27 mT, respectively. These findings show that energetic inputs allow for the formation of skyrmion phases in a broad class of materials and that material properties can be tuned to yield more energy-efficient access to skyrmion phases.

arXiv comment32 pages, 7 figures, 9 supplemental figures

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• Current-Controlled Topological Magnetic Transformations in a Nanostructured Kagome Magnet
• Local control of magnetic interface effects in chiral Ir$|$Co$|$Pt multilayers using Ga${}^{+}$ ion irradiation
• Current-Controlled Skyrmion Number in Confined Ferromagnetic Nanostripes
• Structural and Magnetic Properties of Pt/Co/Mn-Based Multilayers