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Spontaneous creation and annihilation dynamics and strain-limited stability of magnetic skyrmions

Author

Listed:
  • Frederic Rendell-Bhatti

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Raymond J. Lamb

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Johannes W. Jagt

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Gary W. Paterson

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Henk J. M. Swagten

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Damien McGrouther

    (University of Glasgow)

Abstract

Magnetic skyrmions are topological magnetic spin structures exhibiting particle-like behaviour. They are of strong interest from a fundamental viewpoint and for application, where they have potential to act as information carriers in future low-power computing technologies. Importantly, skyrmions have high physical stability because of topological protection. However, they have potential to deform according to their local energy environment. Here we demonstrate that, in regions of high exchange energy density, skyrmions may exhibit such extreme deformation that spontaneous merging with nearest neighbours or spawning new skyrmions is favoured to attain a lower energy state. Using transmission electron microscopy and a high-speed imaging detector, we observe dynamics involving distinct configurational states, in which transitions are accompanied by spontaneous creation or annihilation of skyrmions. These observations raise important questions regarding the limits of skyrmion stability and topological charge conservation, while also suggesting a means of control of skyrmion creation and annihilation.

Suggested Citation

  • Frederic Rendell-Bhatti & Raymond J. Lamb & Johannes W. Jagt & Gary W. Paterson & Henk J. M. Swagten & Damien McGrouther, 2020. "Spontaneous creation and annihilation dynamics and strain-limited stability of magnetic skyrmions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-17338-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17338-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jun-ichi Fukuda & Slobodan Žumer, 2011. "Quasi-two-dimensional Skyrmion lattices in a chiral nematic liquid crystal," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 2(1), pages 1-5, September.
    2. Wataru Koshibae & Naoto Nagaosa, 2016. "Theory of antiskyrmions in magnets," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-8, April.
    3. U. K. Rößler & A. N. Bogdanov & C. Pfleiderer, 2006. "Spontaneous skyrmion ground states in magnetic metals," Nature, Nature, vol. 442(7104), pages 797-801, August.
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