Abstract
In atomic GdFe 2 films capped by 4d and 5d transition metals, we show that skyrmions with diameters smaller than 12 nm can emerge. The Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI), exchange energy, and the magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) energy were investigated based on density functional theory. Since DMI and MCA are caused by spin–orbit coupling (SOC), they are increased with 5d capping layers which exhibit strong SOC strength. We discover a skyrmion phase by using atomistic spin dynamic simulations at small magnetic fields of ∼1 T. In addition, a ground state that a spin spiral phase is remained even at zero magnetic field for both films with 4d and 5d capping layers.
Highlights
In the sphere of magnetic memory storage, magnetic skyrmions, which are localized topologically protected spin structures, are promising candidates due to their unique properties [1,2,3]
Researchers have focused on observing stabilized skyrmions experimentally in bulk crystals [8,9], and thin films and multilayers [10,11,12,13,14]
From the total energy calculation, it was confirmed that the hollow site is the most energetically favorable to stack the transition metals (TMs) layer
Summary
In the sphere of magnetic memory storage (especially in spintronics), magnetic skyrmions, which are localized topologically protected spin structures, are promising candidates due to their unique properties [1,2,3]. Researchers have focused on observing stabilized skyrmions experimentally in bulk crystals [8,9], and thin films and multilayers [10,11,12,13,14]. Neél-type skyrmions with a diameter of ∼50 nm are found in multilayer stacks, such as Pt/Co/Ta and Ir/Fe/Co/Pt [15,16]. To use them in memory and logic devices, a further reduction in skyrmion sizes is necessary. As a result of the decreasing stability of small skyrmions at room temperature, thicker magnetic layers are required to increase stability [17,18]
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