Direct Observation of Room-Temperature Magnetic Skyrmion Motion Driven by Ultra-Low Current Density in Van Der Waals Ferromagnets.

Ji, Yubin; Yang, Seungmo; Ahn, Hyo-Bin; Moon, Kyoung-Woong; Ju, Tae-Seong; Im, Mi-Young; Han, Hee-Sung; Lee, Jisung et al. · Adv Mater · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The recent discovery of room-temperature ferromagnetism in 2D van der Waals (vdW) materials, such as Fe<sub>3</sub>GaTe<sub>2</sub> (FGaT), has garnered significant interest in offering a robust platform for 2D spintronic applications. Various fundamental operations essential for the realization of 2D spintronics devices are experimentally confirmed using these materials at room temperature, such as current-induced magnetization switching or tunneling magnetoresistance. Nevertheless, the potential applications of magnetic skyrmions in FGaT systems at room temperature remain unexplored. In this work, the current-induced generation of magnetic skyrmions in FGaT flakes employing high-resolution magnetic transmission soft X-ray microscopy is introduced, supported by a feasible mechanism based on thermal effects. Furthermore, direct observation of the current-induced magnetic skyrmion motion at room temperature in FGaT flakes is presented with ultra-low threshold current density. This work highlights the potential of FGaT as a foundation for room-temperature-operating 2D skyrmion device applications.