Manipulation of magnetic skyrmions in continuous Ir/Co/Pt multilayers

Abstract: We show that magnetic skyrmions can be stabilized at room temperature in continuous Ir/Co/Pt multilayers on SiO2/Si substrate without prior application of electric current or magnetic field. While decreasing the Co thickness, tuning of the magnetic anisotropy gives rise to a transition from worm-like domain patterns to long and separate stripes. The skyrmions are clearly imaged in both states using Magnetic Force Microscopy. The density of skyrmions can be significantly enhanced after applying the in-plane field procedure. In addition, we have investigated the phase diagram of a sample deposited in the same run, but onto a SiNx membrane using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy. Interestingly, this sample shows a different behaviour as function of magnetic field hinting to the influence of strain on the phase diagram of skyrmions in thin film multilayers. Our results provide means to manipulate skyrmion, further allowing for optimized engineering of skyrmion-based devices.