Differentiating anomalous and topological Hall effects using first-order reversal curve measurements

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method using first-order reversal curve measurements to distinguish between topological and anomalous Hall effects in magnetic materials, aiding the identification of skyrmions.

Contribution

The study presents a novel application of FORC measurements to differentiate THE from AHE, improving analysis of topological spin textures in magnetic systems.

Findings

FORC technique effectively separates THE from AHE signals.

Application to various materials confirms the method's robustness.

Quantitative analysis of topological effects achieved.

Abstract

Next generation magnetic memories rely on novel magnetic phases for information storage. Novel spin textures such as skyrmions provide one possible avenue forward due to their topological protection and controllability via electric fields. However, the common signature of these spin textures, the topological Hall effect (THE), can be mimicked by other trivial effects. Competing anomalous Hall effect (AHE) components can produce a peak in the Hall voltage similar to that of the THE, making clear identification of the THE difficult. By applying the first-order reversal curve (FORC) technique to the Hall effect in candidate topological Hall systems we can clearly distinguish between the THE and AHE. This technique allows for quantitative investigation of the THE and AHE in magnetic materials and heterostructures with topologically non-trivial spin textures. We demonstrate the technique and apply it to several examples.