Chirality control via double vortices in asymmetric Co dots

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to control magnetic vortex chirality in asymmetric cobalt nanodots by manipulating their size and thickness, revealing different vortex nucleation mechanisms below and above critical dimensions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to chirality control in nanomagnets through the manipulation of vortex nucleation and coalescence in asymmetric Co dots.

Findings

Chirality control achieved by single vortex nucleation in small dots.

Chirality control via vortex coalescence in larger dots.

Edge-bound halfvortices facilitate vortex coalescence.

Abstract

Reproducible control of the magnetic vortex state in nanomagnets is of critical importance. We report on chirality control by manipulating the size and/or thickness of asymmetric Co dots. Below a critical diameter and/or thickness, chirality control is achieved by the nucleation of single vortex. Interestingly, above these critical dimensions chirality control is realized by the nucleation and subsequent coalescence of two vortices, resulting in a single vortex with the opposite chirality as found in smaller dots. Micromagnetic simulations and magnetic force microscopy highlight the role of edge-bound halfvortices in facilitating the coalescence process.