Discrete Hall resistivity contribution from N\'{e}el skyrmions in multilayer nanodiscs

Abstract

Magnetic skyrmions are knot-like quasiparticles. They are candidates for non-volatile data storage in which information is moved between fixed read and write terminals. Read-out operation of skyrmion-based spintronic devices will rely upon electrical detection of a single magnetic skyrmion within a nanostructure. Here, we present Pt/Co/Ir nanodiscs which support skyrmions at room temperature. We measured the Hall resistivity whilst simultaneously imaging the spin texture using magnetic scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM). The Hall resistivity is correlated to both the presence and size of the skyrmion. The size-dependent part matches the expected anomalous Hall signal when averaging the magnetisation over the entire disc. We observed a resistivity contribution which only depends on the number and sign of skyrmion-like objects present in the disc. Each skyrmion gives rise to 22$\pm$2 n{\Omega} cm irrespective of its size. This contribution needs to be considered in all-electrical detection schemes applied to skyrmion-based devices.