Imaging the spin chirality of ferrimagnetic Neel skyrmions stabilized on topological antiferromagnetic Mn3Sn

Neel skyrmions are generally realized in asymmetric multilayers made of heavy metals (HMs) and ultra-thin ferromagnets possessing strong interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions (iDMIs). Depending on the relative strengths of iDMIs at the interfaces, various types of Neel skyrmions have been suggested, which are typified with characteristically different topological properties and current-driven dynamics. This suggests the importance of a precise quantification of their spin chiralities. In this paper, we explore the possibility of realizing Neel skyrmions in magnetic multilayers without the direct usage of standard HMs. Specifically, through depositing a thin layer of ferrimagnetic (FIM) CoTb layer on top of an antiferromagnetic (AFM) quantum material of composition Mn3Sn, the AFM exchange interaction at the asymmetric interface provides an equivalent iDMI for stabilizing FIM Neel skyrmions. Secondly, through using advanced four-dimensional Lorentz scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D LSTEM), in combination with x-ray magnetic circular dichroism photoemission electron microscopy (XMCD-PEEM), we can directly determine the spin chirality of FIM Neel skyrmions. The present findings not only broaden the phase space for chiral interfacial magnetism but also provide a possibility for future applications of heavy-metal-free skyrmionic devices.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the realization of Neel skyrmions without direct usage of heavy metals by depositing a ferrimagnetic CoTb layer on top of an antiferromagnetic material Mn3Sn. Through advanced techniques like 4D LSTEM and XMCD-PEEM, the spin chirality of Neel skyrmions can be directly determined, expanding the possibilities for chiral interfacial magnetism and future applications in heavy-metal-free skyrmionic devices.