Guiding Spin Spirals by Local Uniaxial Strain Relief

Nano-scale collinear multi-Q states driven by higher-order interactions

Complex magnetic order arises due to the competition of different interactions between the magnetic moments. Recently, there has been an increased interest in such states not only to unravel the fundamental physics involved, but also with regards to applications exploiting their unique interplay with moving electrons. Whereas it is the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) that has attracted much attention because of its nature to induce non-collinear magnetic order including magnetic-field stabilized skyrmions, it is the frustration of exchange interactions that can drive magnetic order down to the nano-scale. On top of that, interactions between multiple spins can stabilize two-dimensional magnetic textures as zero-field ground states, known as multi-Q states. Here, we introduce a two-dimensional itinerant magnet with various competing atomic-scale magnetic phases. Using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy we observe several zero-field uniaxial or hexagonal nano-scale magnetic states. First-principles calculations together with an atomistic spin model reveal that these states are stabilized by the interplay of frustrated exchange and higher-order interactions while the DMI is weak. Unexpectedly, it is found that not only non-collinear magnetic states arise, but that higher-order interactions can also lead to collinear nano-scale multi-Q states.

Multi-Q states are 2D typically non-collinear spin textures that can be stabilized at the nanoscale and at zero magnetic field by interactions between multiple spins. Gutzeit et al. uncover a variety of multi-Q states in Fe/Rh atomic bilayers on the Ir(111) surface, including unexpected 2D collinear states.

Tunable, Ferroelectricity-Inducing, Spin-Spiral Magnetic Ordering in Monolayer FeOCl

Spin spirals (SS) are a special case of noncollinear magnetism, where the magnetic-moment direction rotates along an axis. They have generated interest for novel phenomena, spintronics applications, and their potential formation in monolayers, but the search for monolayers exhibiting SS has not been particularly fruitful. Here, we employ density functional theory calculations to demonstrate that SS form in a recently synthesized monolayer, FeOCl. The SS wavelength and stability can be tuned by doping and uniaxial strain. The SS-state band gap is larger by 0.6 eV compared to the gap of both the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic state, enabling bandgap tuning and possibly an unusual formation of quantum wells in a single material via magnetic-field manipulation. The SS-induced out-of-plane ferroelectricity enables switching of the SS chirality by an electric field. Finally, forming heterostructures, for example, with graphene or boron nitride, maintains SS ordering and provides another method of modulation and a potential for magnetoelectric devices.

Strain-Relief Patterns and Kagome Lattice in Self-Assembled C60 Thin Films Grown on Cd(0001)

We report an ultra-high vacuum low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) study of the C₆₀ monolayer grown on Cd(0001). Individual C₆₀ molecules adsorbed on Cd(0001) may exhibit a bright or dim contrast in STM images. When deposited at low temperatures close to 100 K, C₆₀ thin films present a curved structure to release strain due to dominant molecule–substrate interactions. Moreover, edge dislocation appears when two different wavy structures encounter each other, which has seldomly been observed in molecular self-assembly. When growth temperature rose, we found two forms of symmetric kagome lattice superstructures, 2 × 2 and 4 × 4, at room temperature (RT) and 310 K, respectively. The results provide new insight into the growth behavior of C₆₀ films.

Vacuum Resonance States as Atomic-Scale Probes of Noncollinear Surface Magnetism

The reflection of electrons at noncollinear magnetic surfaces is investigated by spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy on unoccupied resonance states located in vacuo. Even for energies up to 20 eV above the Fermi level, the resonance states are found to be spin split, exhibiting the same local spin quantization axis as the underlying spin texture. Mapping the spin-dependent electron phase shift upon reflection at the surface on the atomic scale demonstrates the relevance of all magnetic ground state interactions for the scattering of spin-polarized low-energy electrons.

Magnetic Ground State Stabilized by Three-Site Interactions: Fe/Rh(111)

We report the direct observation of a theoretically predicted magnetic ground state in a monolayer Fe on Rh(111), which is referred to as an up-up-down-down (↑↑↓↓) double-row-wise antiferromagnetic spin structure, using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy. This exotic phase, which exists in three orientational domains, is revealed by experiments with magnetic probe tips performed in external magnetic fields. It is shown that a hitherto unconsidered four-spin-three-site beyond-Heisenberg interaction distinctly contributes to the spin coupling of atoms with S≥1 spins. The observation of the ↑↑↓↓ order substantiates the presence of higher-order, in particular, three-site interactions, in thin magnetic films of itinerant magnets.

Inducing skyrmions in ultrathin Fe films by hydrogen exposure

Magnetic skyrmions are localized nanometer-sized spin configurations with particle-like properties, which are envisioned to be used as bits in next-generation information technology. An essential step toward future skyrmion-based applications is to engineer key magnetic parameters for developing and stabilizing individual magnetic skyrmions. Here we demonstrate the tuning of the non-collinear magnetic state of an Fe double layer on an Ir(111) substrate by loading the sample with atomic hydrogen. By using spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy, we discover that the hydrogenated system supports the formation of skyrmions in external magnetic fields, while the pristine Fe double layer does not. Based on ab initio calculations, we attribute this effect to the tuning of the Heisenberg exchange and the Dzyaloshinsky–Moriya interactions due to hydrogenation. In addition to interface engineering, hydrogenation of thin magnetic films offers a unique pathway to design and optimize the skyrmionic states in low-dimensional magnetic materials.

Stabilization of skyrmions is one of the key issues in skyrmion-based spintronics. Here the authors demonstrate that hydrogenation can induce the formation of skyrmions in iron thin films, which provides an alternative way to tailor skyrmion states in low-dimensional magnetic materials.

Magnetic behavior of metastable Fe films grown on Ir(1 1 1)

We investigated the growth of ultra-thin Fe films on Ir(1 1 1) by means of in situ low energy electron diffraction and spin-resolved photoemission techniques. We observe a (1  ×  1) diffraction pattern, characteristic of the fcc substrate, below four monolayers (ML). Then, a complex superstructure starts to develop, compatible with the formation of bcc-like Fe domains aligned with the substrate according to the Kourdjumov-Sachs orientation relationships. The analysis of the diffraction patterns reveals a progressive evolution towards a fully relaxed bcc lattice, characteristic of bulk Fe. Both photoemission (filled states) and inverse photoemission (empty states) results show characteristic features related to the contribution of the Fe layer, evolving towards those observed on the Fe (1 1 0) bcc surface. Spin resolution allows to detect a spectral polarization above 4 ML, corresponding to the formation of bcc Fe, which gradually increases indicating the formation of an in-plane magnetized ferromagnetic layer in thick films. No in-plane net magnetization is detected in thinner films, independent of the sample temperature down to 30 K. Following recent investigations on the Fe/Ir(1 1 1) system with microscopy techniques, we link this observation to the stabilization of a non collinear spin structure yielding an overall nil magnetization.

Sensing Noncollinear Magnetism at the Atomic Scale Combining Magnetic Exchange and Spin-Polarized Imaging

Storing and accessing information in atomic-scale magnets requires magnetic imaging techniques with single-atom resolution. Here, we show simultaneous detection of the spin-polarization and exchange force with or without the flow of current with a new method, which combines scanning tunneling microscopy and noncontact atomic force microscopy. To demonstrate the application of this new method, we characterize the prototypical nanoskyrmion lattice formed on a monolayer of Fe/Ir(111). We resolve the square magnetic lattice by employing magnetic exchange force microscopy, demonstrating its applicability to noncollinear magnetic structures for the first time. Utilizing distance-dependent force and current spectroscopy, we quantify the exchange forces in comparison to the spin-polarization. For strongly spin-polarized tips, we distinguish different signs of the exchange force that we suggest arises from a change in exchange mechanisms between the probe and a skyrmion. This new approach may enable both nonperturbative readout combined with writing by current-driven reversal of atomic-scale magnets.

Temperature-Induced Increase of Spin Spiral Periods

Spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy investigations reveal a significant increase of the magnetic period of spin spirals in three-atomic-layer-thick Fe films on Ir(111), from about 4 nm at 8 K to about 65 nm at room temperature. We attribute this considerable influence of temperature on the magnetic length scale of noncollinear spin states to different exchange interaction coefficients in the different Fe layers. We thus propose a classical spin model that reproduces the experimental observations and in which the crucial feature is the presence of magnetically coupled atomic layers with different interaction strengths. This model might also apply for many other systems, especially magnetic multilayers.

Electric-field-driven switching of individual magnetic skyrmions

Controlling magnetism with electric fields is a key challenge to develop future energy-efficient devices. The present magnetic information technology is mainly based on writing processes requiring either local magnetic fields or spin torques, but it has also been demonstrated that magnetic properties can be altered on the application of electric fields. This has been ascribed to changes in magnetocrystalline anisotropy caused by spin-dependent screening and modifications of the band structure, changes in atom positions or differences in hybridization with an adjacent oxide layer. However, the switching between states related by time reversal, for example magnetization up and down as used in the present technology, is not straightforward because the electric field does not break time-reversal symmetry. Several workarounds have been applied to toggle between bistable magnetic states with electric fields, including changes of material composition as a result of electric fields. Here we demonstrate that local electric fields can be used to switch reversibly between a magnetic skyrmion and the ferromagnetic state. These two states are topologically inequivalent, and we find that the direction of the electric field directly determines the final state. This observation establishes the possibility to combine electric-field writing with the recently envisaged skyrmion racetrack-type memories.

Skyrmions at the Edge: Confinement Effects in Fe/Ir(111)

We have employed spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy and Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the effect of lateral confinement onto the nano-Skyrmion lattice in Fe/Ir(111). We find a strong coupling of one diagonal of the square magnetic unit cell to the close-packed edges of Fe nanostructures. In triangular islands this coupling in combination with the mismatching symmetries of the islands and of the square nano-Skyrmion lattice leads to frustration and triple-domain states. In direct vicinity to ferromagnetic NiFe islands, the surrounding Skyrmion lattice forms additional domains. In this case a side of the square magnetic unit cell prefers a parallel orientation to the ferromagnetic edge. These experimental findings can be reproduced and explained by Monte Carlo simulations. Here, the single-domain state of a triangular island is lower in energy, but nevertheless multidomain states occur due to the combined effect of entropy and an intrinsic domain wall pinning arising from the skyrmionic character of the spin texture.

Coupling of Coexisting Noncollinear Spin States in the Fe Monolayer on Re(0001)

Spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy is used to investigate the magnetic state of the Fe monolayer on Re(0001). Two coexisting atomic-scale noncollinear spin textures are observed with a sharp transition between them on the order of the atomic lattice spacing. A position correlation between the two spin states is observed both in experiments and in Monte Carlo simulations, demonstrating their coupling behavior.