Anomalous Hall effect in spatially inhomogeneous SrRuO3 films

Mo Zhu,Zhangzhang Cui,Zhengping Fu,Haoliang Huang,Zheling Shan,Yalin Lu,Jianlin Wang,Weiwei Li

doi:10.1063/5.0047065

Abstract

The Topological Hall Effect (THE) has been considered a hallmark of magnetic skyrmions in SrRuO3 single films and heterostructures. Alternative interpretations suggest that the THE-like anomalies could also originate from multi-channel anomalous Hall effects (AHEs) induced by structural inhomogeneity. Here, we reveal another type of THE-like anomaly in SrRuO3 films that was rarely reported previously. By scanning minor loops of the Hall resistivity of ultrathin SrRuO3 films, we demonstrate that the increased saturation resistivity and reversed polarity with decreasing a scanning field cannot be explained by THE, while it shows consistence with spatially inhomogeneous AHE. Our research provides a simple but effective way to quantitatively distinguish between THE and inhomogeneous AHE in those magnetic systems even beyond SrRuO3.

Highlights

SrRuO3 is a rare perovskite oxide that has an itinerant ferromagnetism
By scanning minor loops of the Hall resistivity of ultrathin SrRuO3 films, we demonstrate that the increased saturation resistivity and reversed polarity with decreasing a scanning field cannot be explained by Topological Hall Effect (THE), while it shows consistence with spatially inhomogeneous anomalous Hall effects (AHEs)
Hump-like Hall resistivity anomalies were reported in both SrRuO3 single films and heterostructures and were considered the signature of THE driven by magnetic skyrmions

Summary

AIP Advances

Cite as: AIP Advances 11, 125027 (2021); doi: 10.1063/5.0047065 Submitted: 9 February 2021 • Accepted: 2 December 2021 • Published Online: 22 December 2021 Mo Zhu,1 Zhangzhang Cui,1,2,a) Weiwei Li,1 Zheling Shan,1 Jianlin Wang,1,2 Zhengping Fu,1,2 and Yalin Lu1,2,a)

sat