Magnetic-field-induced topological transitions of spin textures in ferrimagnetic Gd/Fe thin films
Phys. Rev. Applied 26, 014060 – Published 21 July, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/t253-8yj1
Abstract
Magnetic skyrmions are topologically distinct spin textures that hold significant potential for applications in information storage and processing. In this study, we investigate the transformation of various dipolar-stabilized spin textures present in amorphous ferrimagnetic Gd/Fe multilayers under the influence of in-plane magnetic field components. Using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, we observe the nucleation of three different types of magnetic spin objects in the presence of an out-of-plane magnetic field. By tilting the sample up to 18°, the relative contribution of the in-plane field is varied, enabling controlled transformations between topologically trivial and topologically protected types of spin objects. We find that the in-plane field component plays a critical role in determining the topological nature of the stabilized spin objects. Additionally, local variations in spin texture appearance are observed and linked to intrinsic membrane wrinkling, which induces a tilted anisotropy axis and effective in-plane fields. These findings, supported by micromagnetic simulations, highlight the tunability of spin objects through controlled field application, paving the way for alternative strategies in spintronic device engineering.
