Simulation of Magnetic Skyrmions Under Strain

Student’s name: Leo Turner Home Institution: The University of Alabama NNCI Site: NNF @ University of Nebraska - Lincoln REU Principal Investigator: Dr. Alexey Kovalev, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska - Lincoln REU Mentor: Edward Schwartz - Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nebraska - Lincoln Abstract: Magnetic skyrmions are a magnetic spin texture that are stabilized by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI). These have various potential applications within spintronics, such as magnetic memory devices. However, the conditions for the formation and control of skyrmions require further investigation. In this project, I simulate how strain can affect the eccentricity and overall shape of magnetic skyrmions. Using Mumax3, an open source micromagnetics software package, and UNL’s Holland Computing Center, I simulated the formation of elliptical skyrmions through the application of strain. Finally, I compared the radii and domain wall widths of the skyrmions to a mathematical model of a skyrmion.