On-line SPICE-SPIN+X Seminars
On-line Seminar: 10.04.2024 - 15:00 CEST
Mapping and controlling topological textures
in 3D magnetic systems
Claire Donnelly, MPI CPfS
Three dimensional magnetic systems promise significant opportunities for applications, for example providing higher density devices and new functionalities associated with complex topology and greater degrees of freedom [1,2]. Extending to three dimensions allows for the formation of new topologies of spin textures, for example containing defects in 3D such as Bloch point singularities, or truly three-dimensional topological structures such as magnetic torons or hopfions.
In this talk, I will address two main questions: first, can we observe and understand such three-dimensional topological magnetic textures, and second, can we control them?
For the observation and understanding of these three-dimensional textures, we have developed magnetic X-ray tomographic techniques, that open the possibility to map both the three-dimensional magnetic structure [3], and its dynamical response to external excitations [4,5]. In this way, we have observed 3D magnetic solitons which we identify as nanoscale magnetic vortex rings, as well as torons that contain Bloch point singularities [6,7].
However, while X-ray magnetic tomography is now a relatively well-established technique, high resolution imaging of extended magnetic systems has so far been limited to rare-earth containing materials. To this end, I will present recent results of soft X-ray dichroic ptychography where the phase dichroism offers a route to imaging magnetic systems that until now have not been accessible [8].
As well as naturally existing within the bulk, 3D spin textures can be introduced and controlled via the patterning of 3D curvilinear geometries [9]. I will discuss how, in this way, not only can new states be realized [10], but the energy landscape of topological defects can be designed through the local patterning of curvature induced chirality [11].
This new understanding and control of topological textures in 3D magnetic systems paves the way not only for enhanced understanding of these systems, but also towards the next generation of technological devices.
[2] C. Donnelly and V. Scagnoli, J. Phys. D: Cond. Matt. 32, 213001 (2020).
[3] C. Donnelly et al., Nature 547, 328 (2017).
[4] C. Donnelly et al., Nature Nanotechnology 15, 356 (2020).
[5] S. Finizio et al., Nano Letters (2022)
[6] C. Donnelly et al., Nat. Phys. 17, 316 (2021)
[7] N. Cooper, PRL. 82, 1554 (1999).
[8] Neethirajan et al., arXiv:2309.14969 [cond-mat.mes-hall]
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