arXiv subjects

L. Skoric

Publications and source records attributed to L. Skoric.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Remote-sensing based control of 3D magnetic fields using machine learning for in-operando applications

In-operando techniques enable real-time measurement of intricate physical properties at the micro- and nano-scale under external stimuli, allowing the study of a wide range of materials and functionalities. In nanomagnetism, in-operando techniques greatly benefit from precise three-dimensional (3D) magnetic field control, enabling access to complex magnetic states forming in systems where multiple energies are set to compete with each other. However, achieving such precision is challenging and uncommon, as specific applications impose constraints on the type and geometry of magnetic field sources, limiting their capabilities. Here, we introduce an approach that leverages machine learning algorithms to achieve precise 3D magnetic field control using a hexapole electromagnet that is composed of three independent, non-collinear dipole electromagnets. In our experimental setup, magnetic field sensors are placed at a distance from the sample position due to inherent constraints, leading to indirect field measurements that differ from the magnetic field experienced by the sample. We find that the existing relationship between the remote and sample frames of reference is non-linear, thus requiring a more complex calibration method. To address this, we employ a multi-layer perceptron neural network that processes multiple inputs from a dynamic magnetic field sequence, effectively capturing the time-dependent non-linear field response. The network achieves high calibration accuracy and demonstrates exceptional generalization to unseen magnetic field sequences. This study highlights the significant potential of machine learning in achieving high-precision control and calibration, crucial for in-operando experiments where direct measurement at the point of interest is not possible.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2024

Preservation of scalar spin chirality across a metallic spacer in synthetic antiferromagnets with chiral interlayer interactions

Chiral magnetic textures are key for the development of modern spintronic devices. In multilayered thin films, these are typically stabilized via the interfacial intralayer Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI). Additionally, it has been recently observed that DMI may also promote vector spin chirality along the third dimension, coupling spins in different magnetic layers via non-magnetic spacer layers, an effect referred to as interlayer DMI (IL-DMI). This interaction holds promise for 3D nanomagnetism, from the creation of 3D spin structures such as hopfions to new forms of magnetic functionality in the vertical direction via remote control of chiral spin states. Here, we investigate via magnetic X-ray scattering and imaging techniques the chiral nature of orthogonal magnetic states that form in a synthetic antiferromagnet with IL-DMI. We find that the vector spin chirality of the textures formed in an in-plane layer is determined by the net out-of-plane spin configuration of a neighboring layer, leading as a result to complex spin states across a metallic interface where the overall scalar spin chirality is preserved. This work thus uncovers a new flavor of chiral interlayer interactions, demonstrating new ways to control magnetic chirality in three dimensions.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Determination of optimal experimental conditions for accurate 3D reconstruction of the magnetization vector via XMCD-PEEM

In this work we present a detailed analysis on the performance of X-ray magnetic circular dichroism photo-emission electron microscopy (XMCD-PEEM) as a tool for vector reconstruction of the magnetization. For this, we choose 360$^{\circ}$ domain wall ring structures which form in a synthetic antiferromagnet as our model to conduct the quantitative analysis. We assess how the quality of the results is affected depending on the number of projections that are involved in the reconstruction process, as well as their angular distribution. For this we develop a self-consistent error metric, which indicates that the main factor of improvement comes from selecting the projections evenly spread out in space, over having a larger number of these spanning a smaller angular range. This work thus poses XMCD-PEEM as a powerful tool for vector imaging of complex 3D magnetic structures.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Observation and formation mechanism of 360{\deg} domain wall rings in Synthetic Anti-Ferromagnets with interlayer chiral interactions

The Interlayer Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (IL-DMI) chirally couples spins in different ferromagnetic layers of multilayer heterostructures. So far, samples with IL-DMI have been investigated utilizing magnetometry and magnetotransport techniques, where the interaction manifests as a tunable chiral exchange bias field. Here, we investigate the nanoscale configuration of the magnetization vector in a synthetic anti-ferromagnet (SAF) with IL-DMI, after applying demagnetizing field sequences. We add different global magnetic field offsets to the demagnetizing sequence in order to investigate the states that form when the IL-DMI exchange bias field is fully or partially compensated. For magnetic imaging and vector reconstruction of the remanent magnetic states we utilize X-ray magnetic circular dichroism photoemission electron microscopy, evidencing the formation of 360$^{\circ}$ domain wall rings of typically 0.5-3.0 $\mu m$ in diameter. These spin textures are only observed when the exchange bias field due to the IL-DMI is not perfectly compensated by the magnetic field offset. From a combination of micromagnetic simulations, magnetic charge distribution and topology arguments, we conclude that a non-zero remanent effective field with components both parallel and perpendicular to the anisotropy axis of the SAF is necessary to observe the rings. This work shows how the exchange bias field due to IL-DMI can lead to complex metastable spin states during reversal, important for the development of novel spintronic devices.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Fourier-space generalized magneto-optical ellipsometry

The magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE) is a widely used lab-based technique for the study of thin films and nanostructures, providing magnetic characterization with good spatial and temporal resolutions. Due to the complex coupling of light with a magnetic sample, conventional MOKE magnetometers normally work by selecting a small range of incident wave-vector values, focusing the incident light beam to a small spot, and recording the reflected intensity at that angular range by means of photodetectors. This generally provides signals proportional to a mixture of magnetization components, requiring additional methodologies for full vectorial magnetic characterization. Here, we computationally investigate a Fourier-space MOKE setup, where a focused beam ellipsometer using high numerical aperture optics and a camera detector is employed to simultaneously map the intensity distribution for a wide range of incident and reflected wave-vectors. We employ circularly incident polarized light and no analyzing optics, in combination with a fitting procedure of the light intensity maps to the analytical expression of the Kerr effect under linear approximation. In this way, we are able to retrieve the three unknown components of the magnetization vector as well as the material's optical and magneto-optical constants with high accuracy and short acquisition times, with the possibility of single shot measurements. Fourier MOKE is thus proposed as a powerful method to perform generalized magneto-optical ellipsometry for a wide range of magnetic materials and devices.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2021

Domain wall automotion in three-dimensional magnetic helical interconnectors

The fundamental limits currently faced by traditional computing devices necessitate the exploration of new ways to store, compute and transmit information. Here, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) magnetic interconnector that exploits geometry-driven automotion of domain walls (DWs), for the transfer of magnetic information between functional magnetic planes. By combining state-of-the-art 3D nanoprinting and standard physical vapor deposition, we prototype 3D helical DW conduits. We observe the automotion of DWs by imaging their magnetic state under different field sequences using X-ray microscopy, observing a robust unidirectional motion of DWs from the bottom to the top of the spirals. From experiments and micromagnetic simulations, we determine that the large thickness gradients present in the structure are the main mechanism for 3D DW automotion. We obtain direct evidence of how this tailorable magnetic energy gradient is imprinted in the devices, and how it competes with pinning effects due to local changes in the energy landscape. Our work also predicts how this effect could lead to high DW velocities, reaching the Walker limit during automotion. This work provides new possibilities for efficient transfer of magnetic information in three dimensions.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

Micromagnetic modelling of magnetic domain walls in curved cylindrical nanotubes and nanowires

We investigate the effect of curvature on the energy and stability of domain wall configurations in curved cylindrical nanotubes and nanowires. We use micromagnetic simulations to calculate the phase diagram for the transverse wall (TW) and vortex wall (VW) states in tubes, finding the ground state configuration and the metastability region where both types of walls can exist. The introduction of curvature shifts the range for which the TW is the ground state domain wall to higher diameters, and increases the range of metastability. We interpret this behavior to be primarily due to the curvature-induced effective Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya term in the exchange energy. Furthermore, we demonstrate qualitatively the same behavior in solid cylindrical nanowires. Comparing both tubes and wires, we observe how while in tubes curvature tends to suppress the transformation from the TW to VW, in wires it promotes the transformation of the VW containing the Bloch point into the TW. These findings have important implications in the fundamental understanding of domain walls in 3D geometries, and the design of future domain wall devices.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2019

Layer-by-layer growth of complex-shaped three-dimensional nanostructures with focused electron beams

The fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures is of great interest to many areas of nanotechnology currently challenged by fundamental limitations of conventional lithography. One of the most promising direct-write methods for 3D nanofabrication is focused electron beam-induced deposition (FEBID), owing to its high spatial resolution and versatility. Here we extend FEBID to the growth of complex-shaped 3D nanostructures by combining the layer-by-layer approach of conventional macroscopic 3D printers and the proximity effect correction of electron beam lithography. This framework is based on the continuum FEBID model and is capable of adjusting for a wide range of effects present during deposition, including beam-induced heating, defocussing and gas flux anisotropies. We demonstrate the capabilities of our platform by fabricating free-standing nanowires, surfaces with varying curvatures and topologies, and general 3D objects, directly from standard stereolithography (STL) files and using different precursors. Real 3D nanoprinting as demonstrated here opens up exciting avenues for the study and exploitation of 3D nanoscale phenomena.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗