Current-Induced Helicity Switching of Frustrated Skyrmions on a Square-Grid Obstacle Pattern

Abstract

Topological spin textures on artificial pinning landscape may show unique static and dynamic properties. Here, we computationally show that the helicity of frustrated skyrmions on an artificial square-grid obstacle pattern can be switched by a spin current pulse. The obstacle pattern is formed by defect lines with enhanced perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, which could protect the skyrmion from being annihilated at the sample edge. It is found that the skyrmion driven by a moderate current shows a circular motion guided by the boundary of the obstacle pattern, while it shows an almost straight motion toward the sample edge in the absence of the obstacle pattern. By applying a short pulse current to drive the skyrmion in a sample with the obstacle pattern, we find that the helicity of the skyrmion could be switched between Bloch-type configurations favored by the dipole-dipole interaction. Besides, we demonstrate the possibility of switching the helicity of an array of skyrmions on the square-grid obstacle pattern using the same method. Our results could be useful for the helicity control of topological spin textures, and may provide guidelines for building future helicity-based spintronic functions.