Topologically non-trivial spin textures on SrFeO3 thin films

• Grant number: 18/25718-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: July 01, 2019
• End date: April 10, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Lucas Almeida Miranda Barreto
• Grantee: Lucas Almeida Miranda Barreto
• Host Investigator: Steven May
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Drexel University, United States

Abstract

Magnetic skyrmions (Sks) are vortex-like spin textures with physical properties protected by its topological non-trivial nature. Sks are mostly reported in non-centrosymmetric crystal structures where the antisymmetric Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction plays a key role to stabilize the Sks. However, a non-trivial topological spin structure has been recently observed in a SrFeO_3 crystal which exhibits a centrosymmetric lattice structure. In this case, the appearance of Sks is related to other interactions that open the possibility to create completely new spin configurations. In this proposal, we will investigate the magnetic structure of SrFeO_3 thin films grown on different substrates in order to map the influence of the SrFeO_3 thin films strain on their spin texture. Moreover, we will study the proximity effects on the interface between a SrFeO_3 thin film and a ferromagnetic substrate. (AU)