High Figure of Merit Magneto Optics from Interfacial Skyrmions on Topological Insulators

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that interfacial skyrmions on topological insulators can produce high figure-of-merit magneto-optic Kerr effects, enabling advanced magnetic memory and optical devices with improved performance.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach using skyrmions at interfaces to achieve high FOM magneto-optic Kerr effects on topological insulators, surpassing traditional limitations.

Findings

Large differential MOKE observed in specific phase diagram regions

Resonance features linked to TI bandgap and film thickness

Distinct Fermi level dependence for different magnetic textures

Abstract

In the Kerr rotation geometry, magneto optic memory devices typically suffer from low figure-of-merit (FOM) and long write times. We show that skyrmions formed at the interface of a thin-film multiferroic and a topological insulator can give rise to high FOM magneto optic Kerr effects (MOKEs). Huge differential MOKE can arise in parts of the phase diagram. Resonance like features in the MOKE spectra arising from the induced low energy TI bandgap, the multiferroic-film thickness, and the high energy Drude like behavior are resolved and explained. The Fermi level dependence of the MOKE signatures is distinct for the different magnetic textures. This has broad implications for magnetic texture characterization, electro-optic modulators and isolators and high density magnetic optic memory.