Influence of the local atom configuration on a hexagonal skyrmion lattice.

von Bergmann, Kirsten; Menzel, Matthias; Kubetzka, André; Wiesendanger, Roland · Nano Lett · 2015

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Spin-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy is used to reveal a commensurate hexagonal nanoskyrmion lattice in the hcp stacked Fe monolayer on Ir(111). The exact nature of the spin configuration is due to magnetic interactions between the Fe atoms and the Ir substrate, either originating from polarization effects, or due to a three-site hopping mechanism of the Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction leading to a canting of the Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya vector with respect to the interface.