Skyrmion magnetic textures stabilized by chiral interactions in magnetic nanosystems

• Applicant: Dr. Ulrich K. Rößler
• Subject Area: Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2009 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 154320238

In the proposed research we study theoretically specific particle-like localized structures (Skyrmions) in magnetic nanolayers. These novel solitonic structures have been predicted to exist in our earlier studies. Magnetic Skyrmions are intrinsically stable localized inhomogeneities with the size of nanometers and with a fixed rotation sense (chirality). Essential ingredient for the stabilization of magnetic Skyrmionic states are chiral interactions due to broken inversion symmetry. It is known that these interactions are ubiquitous in nanoscale magnetic systems such as ultrathin layers, due to the broken inversion symmetry at the surfaces. Therefore, it is expected that Skyrmion states can be realized in nanoscale magnetic systems.The main goal of the project is to develop a consistent phenomenological theory of Skyrmions in nanolayers and obtain a fundamental understanding of physical processes of their formation, evolution and transformation under the influence of applied magnetic fields, extemal stresses and variation of temperature. The results of calculations will be applied to analyze the magnetization processes in magnetic nanolayers, nanodisks, and thin layers of low-symmetry magnetic crystals where intrinsic magnetic interactions or surface-induced chirality favour the formation of Skyrmions. Our findings will be instrumental to identify and control chirality effects in nanomagnetism. As our main tool will be phenomenological theory of magnetism, the results will establish useful physical connections between magnetic and other nonlinear condensed matter systems such as ferroelectric and multiferroic materials or chiral liquid crystals.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants