Manipulation of Magnetic Skyrmion Density in Continuous Ir/Co/Pt Multilayers

We show that magnetic skyrmions can be stabilised at room temperature in continuous [Ir/Co/Pt](5) multilayers on SiO2/Si substrates without the prior application of electric current or magnetic field. While decreasing the Co thickness, a transition of the magnetic domain patterns from worm-like state to separated stripes is observed. The skyrmions are clearly imaged in both states using magnetic force microscopy. The density of skyrmions can be significantly enhanced after applying the in-plane field procedure. Our results provide means to manipulate magnetic skyrmion density, further allowing for the optimised engineering of skyrmion-based devices.

Automated summary

This study shows that magnetic skyrmions can be stabilized at room temperature in continuous [Ir/Co/Pt](5) multilayers on SiO2/Si substrates without the prior application of electric current or magnetic field. The transition of magnetic domain patterns from worm-like state to separated stripes is observed by decreasing the Co thickness. The density of skyrmions can be significantly enhanced after applying the in-plane field procedure, providing means to manipulate their density and optimize skyrmion-based devices.