Multifunctional Oxides for Topological Magnetic Textures by Design

TL;DR

This review discusses the development of topological magnetic textures, especially Skyrmions, in oxide materials, highlighting recent theoretical and experimental advances, and proposing future research directions for oxide-based Skyrmion applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of Skyrmion physics in oxides, including stabilization mechanisms, properties, and recent progress in oxide thin films, which expands beyond metallic materials.

Findings

Multiferroic Skyrmions in Cu₂OSeO₃ exhibit magnetoelectric coupling.

Recent progress in observing the Topological Hall Effect in oxide thin films.

Future strategies include interfacial charge-transfer and (111)-oriented perovskites.

Abstract

Several challenges in designing an operational Skyrmion racetrack memory are well-known. Among those challenges, a few contradictions can be identified if researchers were to rely only on metallic materials. Hence, expanding the exploration on Skyrmion Physics into oxide materials is essential to bridge the contradicting gap. In this topical review, we first briefly revise the theories and criteria involved in stabilizing and manipulating Skymions, followed by studying the behaviors of dipolar-stabilized magnetic bubbles. Next, we explore the properties of multiferroic Skyrmions with magnetoelectric coupling, which can only be stabilized in Cu$_2$OSeO$_3$ thus far, as well as the rare bulk N\'eel-type Skyrmions in some polar materials. As an interlude section, we review the theory of Anomalous (AHE) and Topological Hall Effect (THE), before going through the recent progress of THE in oxide thin films. The debate about an alternative interpretation is also discussed. Finally, this review ends with future outlooks about the promising strategies of using interfacial charge-transfer and (111)-orientation of perovskites to benefit the field of Skyrmion research.