arXiv subjects

Olivier Fruchart

Publications and source records attributed to Olivier Fruchart.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Towards Ultra Scalability of Non-Volatile Magnetic Tunnel Junctions with a 3D Storage Layer

The perpendicular Spin Transfer Torque Magnetic Random Access Memory is one of the most promising emerging non-volatile memory technologies, based on ultra-thin magnetic tunnel junctions. However, as these devices are limited by their thermal stability factor at technological nodes smaller than 20 nm, their scalability is compromised. A possible solution to this limitation relies on taking advantage of the shape anisotropy, by increasing substantially the thickness of the storage layer. Thanks to the combination of a vertical aspect-ratio and enhanced volume, high thermal stability can be maintained at sub-10 nm nodes. Here, we present the technological advancements and understanding of the magnetisation reversal that led to faster switching speeds at reduced switching voltage, providing a viable approach for dense arrays of ultra-small magnetic tunnel junctions.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2026

Non-reciprocity and exchange-spring delay of domain-wall Walker breakdown in magnetic nanowires with azimuthal magnetization

Domain-wall (DW) motion is a crucial process involved in magnetization reversal, be it under magnetic field or spin-polarized current stimulus. In most cases the DW speed does not exceed $\approx$100m/s and collapses above a given threshold of the stimulus, an effect known as Walker breakdown. A few specific material properties have been identified to delay the breakdown of speed by increasing the energy barrier preventing internal precession. We show that in a 3D nanomagnetic system, here with vortex-state domains, the topology of the magnetization distribution may intrinsically and robustly delay the Walker breakdown due to an exchange-spring effect. However, in contrast to situations in lower dimension, the motion remains steady-state. In addition, curvature induces a major non-reciprocal effect, delaying or not the Walker breakdown depending on the sequence of chiralities of the azimuthal domains on both sides of the DW, independent of its direction of motion.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

Experimental determination and micromagnetic analysis of spin wave modes in cylindrical nanowires

We report an experimental study of spin wave modes in individual cylindrical nanowires, a textbook situation of confined spin waves in 3D nanomagnetism. We observe discrete modes of thermal spin waves with micro-Brillouin light scattering, whose frequencies $f$ shift to higher values as the applied longitudinal induction magnetic field $B_z$ increases. Micromagnetic simulations allowed us to associate every $f(B_z)$ curve to a given spatial mode, labeled with radial and azimuthal indices $\ell$ and $m$.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2025

Simulation of current-driven magnetisation switching in nanopillars with Perpendicular Shape Anisotropy

The Perpendicular Shape Anisotropy Spin Transfer Torque Magnetic Random Access Memory (PSA-STT-MRAM) is a recent concept proposed to maintain the thermal stability of standard MRAM at small diameters, considering thick vertical pillars as the free layer. In order to explore the specific physics of PSA-STT-MRAMs expected in relation with their three-dimensional nature, we have performed simulations combining a micromagnetic model coupled self-consistently with spin-dependent transport equations. The 3D shape induces flower states at the upper and lower surfaces. Besides, the field-like component of STT is found to be larger than in standard MRAMs, suggesting that it needs to be considered. The combination of both effects leads to the excitation of high-order 3D ferromagnetic resonance modes, playing a key role in magnetisation reversal. These results highlight features of 3D nanomagnetic systems, largely disregarded so far, which need to be considered to optimise PSA-STT-MRAM to be a competitive solution for technological implementation.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Comparison of stable spin textures in in-plane vs. out-of-plane magnetized exchange-biased multilayers

This paper delves into the origins and specificity of the unique stable spin textures (360° closed loop domain walls and skyrmions) observed in exchange-biased systems, with either in-plane or out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy. In the case of skyrmions, which are nanometer-sized bubbles consisting of closed-loop 180° walls in perpendicularly-magnetized media, the stability of these spin textures arises from the existence of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interactions (DMI). These interactions induce chirality of the domain walls, yielding to some extent a so-called topological protection. More complex structures such as skyrmoniums have been observed, consisting of closed loop 360° walls. Recently, skyrmions formed in the absence of an applied external magnetic field have been stabilized in exchange biased out-of-plane magnetized systems. About two decades ago, another type of stable spin-textures were observed in exchange biased systems, with in-plane magnetization, in particular in the pinned reference layer of spin-valves. These textures consist of 360°-domain-wall rings, the stability of which arises from the easy-plane shape anisotropy of these layers. In this paper, we compare these spin-textures and highlight the similarities and differences in their formation, structure and origin of their stability.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2024

Small-angle X-ray resonant magnetic scattering at the Co M$_{2,3}$ and L$_3$ edges observed with photoemission electron microscopy

X-ray magnetic circular dichroism is an efficient contrast mechanism allowing for a direct sensitivity to magnetization. Combined with an imaging technique such as photoemission electron microscopy, it has been successfully applied to high-resolution investigations of ferromagnetic thin films but also of three-dimensional systems thanks to the transmission-type contrast in their shadow. Our focus in this work is the wave-optics scattering pattern that can be observed near such a shadow's rim. Taking advantage of non-uniform magnetic states present in near-micron-size Co$_{1-x}$Gd$_x$ beads, we first show how X-ray resonant magnetic scattering affects the Fresnel diffraction at the Co L$_3$ edge. In order to confirm this observation, we then turn to the Co M$_{2,3}$ edges. There, we measure magnetic scattering patterns with a significantly increased spatial extent (due to the larger wavelength), despite the signal's weakness. The patterns' origin is supported by a comparison between our experimental data and a simple analytical model, then numerical simulations.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2023

Electrical characterization of the azimuthal anisotropy of $(\mathrm{Ni}_x\mathrm{Co}_{1-x})\mathrm{B}$-based ferromagnetic nanotubes

We report on the structural, electric and magnetic properties of $(\mathrm{Ni}_x\mathrm{Co}_{1-x})\mathrm{B}$ ferromagnetic nanotubes, displaying azimuthal magnetization. The tubes are fabricated using electroless plating in polycarbonate porous templates, with lengths several tens of micrometers, diameters from 100nm to 500nm and wall thicknesses from 10nm to 80nm. The resistivity is $\sim 1.5\times10^{-6}\mathrm{Ω/m}$, and the anisotropic magnetoresistance~(AMR) of 0.2-0.3%, one order of magnitude larger~(resp. smaller) than in the bulk material, which we attribute to the resistance at grain boundaries. We determined the azimuthal anisotropy field from M(H) AMR loops of single tubes contacted electrically. Its magnitude is around 10mT, and tends to increase with the tube wall thickness, as well as the Co content. However, surprisingly it does not dependent much on the diameter nor on the curvature.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Off-axis electron holography for the direct visualization of perpendicular shape anisotropy in nano-scale 3D magnetic random-access-memory devices

Perpendicular shape anisotropy (PSA) and double magnetic tunnel junctions (DMTJ) offer practical solutions to downscale spin-transfer-torque Magnetic Random-Access Memory (STT-MRAM) beyond 20 nm technology nodes, whilst retaining their thermal stability and reducing critical currents applied. However, as these modern devices become smaller and three-dimensionally (3D) complex, our understanding of their functional magnetic behavior is often indirect, relying on magnetoresistance measurements and micromagnetic modelling. In this paper, we review recent work that was performed on these structures using a range of advanced electron microscopy techniques, focusing on aspects specific to the 3D and nanoscale nature of such elements. We present the methodology for the systematic transfer of individual SST-MRAM nano-pillars from large-scale arrays to image their magnetic configurations directly using off-axis electron holography. We show that improved phase sensitivity through stacking of electron holograms can be used to image subtle variations in DMTJs and the thermal stability of < 20 nm PSA-STT-MRAM nano-pillars during in-situ heating. The experimental practicalities, benefits and limits of using electron holography for analysis of MRAM devices are discussed, unlocking practical pathways for direct imaging of the functional magnetic performance of these systems with high spatial resolution and sensitivity.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2022

Direct observation of the perpendicular shape anisotropy and thermal stability of p-STT-MRAM nano-pillars

Perpendicular shape anisotropy (PSA) offers a practical solution to downscale spin-transfer torque Magnetic Random-Access Memory (STT-MRAM) beyond the sub-20 nm technology node whilst retaining thermal stability of the storage layer magnetization. However, our understanding of the thermomagnetic behavior of PSA-STT-MRAM is often indirect, relying on magnetoresistance measurements and micromagnetic modelling. Here, the magnetism of a FeCoB / NiFe PSA-STT-MRAM nano-pillar is investigated using off-axis electron holography, providing spatially resolved magnetic information as a function of temperature, which has been previously inaccessible. Magnetic induction maps reveal the micromagnetic configuration of the NiFe storage layer (60 nm high, 20 nm diameter), confirming the PSA induced by its 3:1 aspect ratio. In-situ heating demonstrates that the PSA of the FeCoB / NiFe composite storage layer is maintained up to at least 250 degrees centigrade, and direct quantitative measurements reveal the very moderate decrease of magnetic induction with temperature. Hence, this study shows explicitly that PSA provides significant stability in STT-MRAM applications that require reliable performance over a range of operating temperatures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

High-sensitivity mapping of magnetic induction fields with nanometer-scale resolution: comparison of off-axis electron holography and pixelated differential phase contrast

We compare two transmission electron microscopy (TEM) based techniques that can provide highly spatially resolved quantitative measurements of magnetic induction fields at high sensitivity. To this end, the magnetic induction of a ferromagnetic NiFe nanowire has been measured and compared to micromagnetic modelling. State-of-the-art electron holography has been performed using the averaging of large series of holograms to improve the sensitivity of the measurements. These results are then compared those obtained from pixelated (or 4D) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). This emerging technique uses a pixelated detector to image the local diffraction patterns as the beam is scanned over the sample. For each diffraction pattern, the deflection of the beam is measured and converted into magnetic induction, while scanning the beam allows to build a map. Aberration corrected Lorentz (field-free) configurations of the TEM and STEM were used for an improved spatial resolution. We show that the pixelated STEM approach, even when performed using an old generation of charge-coupled device camera, provides better sensitivity at the expense of spatial resolution. A more general comparison of the two techniques is given.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Theoretical study of current-induced domain wall motion in magnetic nanotubes with azimuthal domains, including Œrsted field and spin-transfer torques

We report a theoretical overview of the magnetic domain wall behavior under an electric current in infinitely-long nanotubes with azimuthal magnetization, combining the $1$D analytic model and micromagnetic simulations. We highlight effects that, besides spin-transfer torques already largely understood in flat strips, arise specifically in the tubular geometry: the \OErsted field and curvature-induced magnetic anisotropy resulting both from exchange and material growth. Depending on both the geometry of the tube and the strength of the azimuthal anisotropy, Bloch or Néel walls arise at rest, resulting in two regimes of motion largely dominated by either spin-transfer torques or the \OErsted field. We determine the Walker breakdown current in all cases, and highlight the most suitable parameters to achieve high domain wall speed.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2020

Anisotropic skyrmion bubbles in ultra-thin epitaxial Au$_{0.67}$Pt$_{0.33}$/Co/W films

We studied the symmetry of magnetic properties and the resulting magnetic textures in ultra-thin epitaxial Au$_{0.67}$Pt$_{0.33}$/Co/W, a model system exhibiting perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and interface Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI). As a peculiar feature, the C$_\mathrm{2v}$ crystal symmetry induced by the Co/W interface results in an additional uniaxial in-plane magnetic anisotropy in the cobalt layer. Photoemission electron microscopy with magnetic sensitivity reveals the formation of self-organized magnetic stripe domains oriented parallel to the hard in-plane magnetization axis. We attribute this behavior to the lower domain wall energy when oriented along this axis, where both the DMI and the in-plane magnetic anisotropy favor a Néel domain wall configuration. The anisotropic domain wall energy also leads to the formation of elliptical skyrmion bubbles in a weak out-of-plane magnetic field.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2018

Millimeter-sized magnetic domains in perpendicularly magnetized ferrimagnetic Mn4N thin films grown on SrTiO3

The use of epitaxial layers for domain wall-based spintronic applications is often hampered by the presence of pinning sites. Here, we show that when depositing Mn4N(10 nm) epitaxial films, the replacement of MgO(001) by SrTiO3(001) substrates allows minimizing the misfit, and to obtain an improved crystalline quality, a sharper switching, a full remanence, a high anisotropy and remarkable millimeter-sized magnetic domains, with straight and smooth domain walls. In a context of rising interest for current-induced domain wall motion in rare

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2018

Magnetic nanowires and nanotubes

We propose a review of the current knowledge about the synthesis, magnetic properties and applications of magnetic cylindrical nanowires and nanotubes. By "nano" we consider diameters reasonably smaller than a micrometer. At this scale, comparable to micromagnetic and transport length scales, novel properties appear. At the same time, this makes the underlying physics easier to understand due to the limiter number of degrees of freedom involved. The three-dimensional nature and the curvature of these objects contribute also to their specific properties, compared to patterns flat elements. While the topic of nanowires and later nanotubes started now decades ago, it is nevertheless flourishing, thanks to the progress of synthesis, theory and characterization tools. These give access to ever more complex and thus functional structures, and also shifting the focus from material-type measurements of large assemblies, to single-object investigations. We first provide an overview of common fabrication methods yielding nanowires, nanotubes and structures engineered in geometry~(change in diameter, shape) or material (segments, core-shell structures), shape or core-shell. We then review their magnetic properties: global measurements, magnetization states and switching, single domain wall statics and dynamics, and spin waves. For each aspect, both theory and experiments are surveyed. We also mention standard characterization techniques useful for these. We finally mention emerging applications of magnetic nanowires and nanotubes, along with the foreseen perspectives in the topic.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

Preparation and physical properties of soft magnetic nickel-cobalt nanowires with modulated diameters

We establish a method to produce cylindrical magnetic nanowires displaying several segments, with a large versatility in terms of segment diameter and length. It is based on electroplating in alumina templates, the latter being prepared by several steps of anodization, wet etching and atomic layer deposition to produce, widen or shrink pores, respectively. We propose an analytical model to analyze the in-plane and out-of-plane magnetization loops of dense assemblies of multisegmented wires. The model considers inter-wires dipolar fields, end-domain curling and predicts the switching field of individual wires with no adjustable parameter. Its ingredients are crucial to extract reliable parameters from the fitting of loops, such as magnetization or the porosity of the array.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Bloch-point-mediated topological transformations of magnetic domain walls in cylindrical nanowires

Cylindrical nanowires made of soft magnetic materials, in contrast to thin strips, may host domain walls of two distinct topologies. Unexpectedly, we evidence experimentally the dynamic transformation of topology upon wall motion above a field threshold. Micromagnetic simulations highlight the underlying precessional dynamics for one way of the transformation, involving the nucleation of a Bloch-point singularity, however, fail to reproduce the reverse process. This rare discrepancy between micromagnetic simulations and experiments raises fascinating questions in material and computer science.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2018

Flux-closure domains in high aspect ratio electroless-deposited CoNiB nanotubes

We report the imaging of magnetic domains in ferromagnetic CoNiB nanotubes with very long aspect ratio, fabricated by electroless plating. While axial magnetization is expected for long tubes made of soft magnetic materials, we evidence series of azimuthal domains. We tentatively explain these by the interplay of anisotropic strain and/or grain size, with magneto-elasticity and/or anisotropic interfacial magnetic anisotropy. This material could be interesting for dense data storage, as well as curvature-induced magnetic phenomena such as the non-reciprocity of spin-wave propagation.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2018

Micromagnetics of anti-skyrmions in ultrathin films

We present a combined analytical and numerical micromagnetic study of the equilibrium energy, size and shape of anti-skyrmionic magnetic configurations. Anti-skyrmions can be stabilized when the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction has opposite signs along two orthogonal in-plane directions, breaking the magnetic circular symmetry. We compare the equilibrium energy, size and shape of anti-skyrmions and skyrmions that are stabilized respectively in environments with anisotropic and isotropic Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction, but with the same strength of the magnetic interactions.When the dipolar interactions are neglected the skyrmion and the anti-skyrmion have the same energy, shape and size in their respective environment. However, when dipolar interactions are considered, the energy of the anti-skyrmion is strongly reduced and its equilibrium size increased with respect to the skyrmion. While the skyrmion configuration shows homochiral Néel magnetization rotations, anti-skyrmions show partly Néel and partly Bloch rotations. The latter do not produce magnetic charges and thus cost less dipolar energy. Both magnetic configurations are stable when the magnetic energies almost cancel each other, which means that a small variation of one parameter can drastically change their configuration, size and energy.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗