Topologically stable magnetization states on a spherical shell: curvature stabilized skyrmion


Topologically stable magnetization states on a spherical shell: curvature stabilized skyrmion

Kravchuk, V. P.; Rößler, U. K.; Volkov, O. M.; Sheka, D. D.; van den Brink, J.; Makarov, D.; Fangohr, H.; Gaididei, Y.

Topologically stable structures, e.g. vortices in a wide variety of matter, skyrmions in ferro- and antiferromagnets, hedgehog point defects in liquid crystals and ferromagnets, are characterized by integer valued topological quantum numbers. In this context the closed surfaces are a prominent subject of study, because they realize a link between fundamental mathematical theorems and real physical systems. Here we perform a topological analysis of equilibrium magnetization states for a thin spherical shell with easy-normal anisotropy. Skyrmion solutions are found for a range of parameters. These magnetic skyrmions on a spherical shell have two principal differences compared to the planar case: (i) they become topologically trivial, and (ii) can be stabilized by curvature effects only, also when Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions are absent. Due to its specific topological nature a skyrmion on a spherical shell can be simply induced by an uniform external magnetic field.

Keywords: Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction; skyrmion; curvature induced effects

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-23681
Publ.-Id: 23681