Manipulating density of magnetic skyrmions via multilayer repetition and thermal annealing

Abstract

The magnetic skyrmion, a tiny magnetic texture that holds promise as the next-generation information carrier, has been widely studied in recent years. A fine tunability of skyrmion density is required for its real applications in novel memory and logic devices. Here, we report on the manipulation of skyrmion density at room temperature in a Pt/Co/Ta/MgO system composed of multiple repetitions with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. N\'eel-type skyrmions are observed by performing Lorentz transmission electron microscopy and magnetic force microscopy. The influence of structure repetition on skyrmions is experimentally investigated and further understood by micromagnetic simulations. The variation of skyrmion density with repetition number is mainly attributed to magnetic anisotropy. Meanwhile, thermal annealing is utilized to regulate the skyrmion density, where skyrmion-related properties exert a competitive effect. Our findings provide alternative means to manipulate skyrmion density, further allowing for optimized engineering of skyrmion-based devices.