Visualising Three-dimensional Spin Textures

Three-dimensional magnetic systems promise significant opportunities for applications, for example providing higher density devices and new functionalities associated with complex topology and greater degrees of freedom [1].

In this talk, I will speak about our work making use of X-ray magnetic tomographic techniques to map the static configuration, and dynamic behaviour, of topological magnetic structures. As well as the spontaneous formation of Bloch point singularities and magnetic vortex rings in the bulk [2,3], 3D spin textures can also be introduced via the patterning of complex 3D magnetic nanostructures [4], leading to the realisation of highly coupled curvilinear systems. These new experimental capabilities for 3D magnetic systems open the door to complex three-dimensional magnetic structures, and their dynamic behaviour.

[1] A. Fernández-Pacheco et al., “Three-dimensional nanomagnetism”, Nature Communications 8, 15756 (2017), https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms15756.

[2] C. Donnelly et al., “Three-dimensional magnetization structures revealed with X-ray vector nanotomography”, Nature 547, 328 (2017), https://www.nature.com/articles/nature23006.

[3] C. Donnelly et al., “Experimental observation of vortex rings in a bulk magnet”, Nat. Phys. 17, 316 (2020), https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-020-01057-3.

[4] C. Donnelly et al., “Complex free-space magnetic field textures induced by three-dimensional magnetic nanostructures”, Nature Nanotechnology 17, 136 (2022), https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-021-01027-7.