Ezio Iacocca

Dynamically stabilized magnetic skyrmions

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically non-trivial spin textures that manifest themselves as quasiparticles in ferromagnetic thin films or noncentrosymmetric bulk materials. So far attention has focused on skyrmions stabilized either by the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) or by dipolar interaction, where in the latter case the excitations are known as bubble skyrmions. Here we demonstrate the existence of a dynamically stabilized skyrmion, which exists even when dipolar interactions and DMI are absent. We establish how such dynamic skyrmions can be nucleated, sustained and manipulated in an effectively lossless medium under a nanocontact. As quasiparticles, they can be transported between two nanocontacts in a nanowire, even in complete absence of DMI. Conversely, in the presence of DMI, we observe that the dynamical skyrmion experiences strong breathing. All of this points towards a wide range of skyrmion manipulation, which can be studied in a much wider class of materials than considered so far.

Spin-wave-beam driven synchronization of nanocontact spin-torque oscillators

The synchronization of multiple nanocontact spin-torque oscillators (NC-STOs) is mediated by propagating spin waves (SWs). Although it has been shown that the Oersted field generated in the vicinity of the NC can dramatically alter the emission pattern of SWs, its role in the synchronization behaviour of multiple NCs has not been considered so far. Here we investigate the synchronization behaviour in multiple NC-STOs oriented either vertically or horizontally, with respect to the in-plane component of the external field. Synchronization is promoted (impeded) by the Oersted field landscape when the NCs are oriented vertically (horizontally) due to the highly anisotropic SW propagation. Not only is robust synchronization between two oscillators observed for separations larger than 1,000 nm, but synchronization of up to five oscillators, a new record, has been observed in the vertical array geometry. Furthermore, the synchronization can no longer be considered mutual in nature.

Spin wave mode coexistence on the nanoscale: a consequence of the Oersted field-induced asymmetric energy landscape

It has been argued that if multiple spin wave modes are competing for the same centrally located energy source, as in a nanocontact spin torque oscillator, that only one mode should survive in the steady state. Here, the experimental conditions necessary for mode coexistence are explored. Mode coexistence is facilitated by the local field asymmetries induced by the spatially inhomogeneous Oersted field, which leads to a physical separation of the modes, and is further promoted by spin wave localization at reduced applied field angles. Finally, both simulation and experiment reveal a low frequency signal consistent with the intermodulation of two coexistent modes.

Frequency modulation of spin torque oscillator pairs

The current controlled modulation of nanocontact based spin torque oscillator (STO) pairs is studied in both the synchronized and nonsynchronized states. The synchronized state shows a well behaved modulation and demonstrates robust mutual locking even under strong modulation. The power distribution of the modulation sidebands can be quantitatively described by assuming a single oscillator model. However, in the nonsynchronized state, the modulation sidebands are not well described by the model, indicating interactions between the two individual nanocontact STOs. These findings are promising for potential applications requiring the modulation of large synchronized STO arrays.

Oscillatory transient regime in the forced dynamics of a nonlinear auto oscillator

We demonstrate that the forced transient dynamics of a nonlinear (nonisochronous) auto-oscillator is qualitatively different from the dynamics of a quasilinear oscillator described by the classical Adlers model. If the normalized amplitude

Confined Dissipative Droplet Solitons in Spin-Valve Nanowires with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy

\ensuremath{\mu}

Spin transfer torque generated magnetic droplet solitons (invited)

of the driving force exceeds a certain critical value

CoFeB-Based Spin Hall Nano-Oscillators

{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{cr}

Recent Advances in Nanocontact Spin-Torque Oscillators

, the transition to the synchronized regime becomes oscillatory with a frequency proportional to

Magnetic droplet nucleation boundary in orthogonal spin-torque nano-oscillators

\ensuremath{\propto}\sqrt{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{cr}}