Formation of zero-field skyrmion arrays in asymmetric superlattices

Abstract

We demonstrate the formation of metastable Néel-type skyrmion arrays in Pt/Co/Ni/Ir multi-layers at zero-field following the ex situ application of an in-plane magnetic field using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy. The resultant skyrmion texture is found to depend on both the strength and misorientation of the applied field as well as the interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. To demonstrate the importance of the applied field angle, we leverage bend contours in the specimens, which coincide with transition regions between skyrmion and labyrinth patterns. The subsequent application of a perpendicular magnetic field near these regions reveals the unusual situation where skyrmions with opposite magnetic polarities are stabilized in close proximity.