- Main
Energy-efficient generation of skyrmion phases in Co/Ni/Pt-based multilayers using Joule heating
Published Web Location
https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevmaterials.4.104409Abstract
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 50 μs and 1.7×1010A/m2, respectively, in an applied magnetic field of 50 mT, stripe-to-skyrmion transformations are attained. The skyrmions formed by such pulses remain stable across a wide range of magnetic fields, including zero field. We attribute the transformation primarily to current-induced Joule heating on the order of ∼128 K. Reducing the magnetic moment and perpendicular anisotropy using thin rare-earth spacers reduces the pulse duration, current density, and magnetic field necessary to 25 μs, 2.4×109A/m2, 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.
Many UC-authored scholarly publications are freely available on this site because of the UC's open access policies. Let us know how this access is important for you.