Laser-induced topological spin switching in a 2D van der Waals magnet

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) magnets represent one of the most promising horizons for energy-efficient spintronic applications because their broad range of electronic, magnetic and topological properties. However, little is known about the interplay between light and spin properties in vdW layers. Here we show that ultrafast laser excitation can not only generate different type of spin textures in CrGeTe ₃ vdW magnets but also induce a reversible transformation between them in a topological toggle switch mechanism. Our atomistic spin dynamics simulations and wide-field Kerr microscopy measurements show that different textures can be generated via high-intense laser pulses within the picosecond regime. The phase transformation between the different topological spin textures is obtained as additional laser pulses are applied to the system where the polarisation and final state of the spins can be controlled by external magnetic fields. Our results indicate laser-driven spin textures on 2D magnets as a pathway towards reconfigurable topological architectures at the atomistic level.

Abstract

Van der Waals magnetic materials, which maintain their magnetic ordering down to a monolayer have been found to host a variety of spin textures, including topological spin textures such as skyrmions. Here, Khela et al. demonstrate laser induced topological switching, between skyrmions, anti-skyrmions and stripe domains in CrGeTe ₃.