When magnets are brought to the third dimension, they provide a rich playground for fundamental physics [1]. The higher degrees of freedom available in 3D – and the new topologies and geometries that it makes possible – combine to produce many new effects, including exotic dynamic behaviours, and topological textures that occur on length scales of the order of nanometres [2,3].
Straining of topological textures in three dimensional magnetic nanostructures. Topology plays a role in both three-dimensional textures (e.g. Bloch point singularities, a) and magnetic nanostructures (e.g. nano-Möbius strips, b). b,c) Three-dimensional nanofabrication techniques allow for the patterning of three dimensional magnetic nanostructures with non-trivial topologies (b) and chirality (c). Here we aim to apply strain to tune the geometry of these nanostructures, and thus the energy landscape of topological magnetic textures. a) reproduced from [2], b) reproduced from [5], c) reproduced from [4].
Straining of topological textures in three dimensional magnetic nanostructures. Topology plays a role in both three-dimensional textures (e.g. Bloch point singularities, a) and magnetic nanostructures (e.g. nano-Möbius strips, b). b,c) Three-dimensional nanofabrication techniques allow for the patterning of three dimensional magnetic nanostructures with non-trivial topologies (b) and chirality (c). Here we aim to apply strain to tune the geometry of these nanostructures, and thus the energy landscape of topological magnetic textures. a) reproduced from [2], b) reproduced from [5], c) reproduced from [4].
Key to the formation and behaviour of these topological textures is their local energy landscape, that we can define by the material and geometry of our nanostructured system [4]. This energy landscape not only defines the type of texture that can form, but also how these textures can be controlled, and propagated through a device – an important concept for future technologies.
However, while such control of the energy landscape allows for one to define certain functionalities, it remains challenging to tune these properties to achieve a reconfigurable energy landscape for three-dimensional topological textures. One very promising route to reconfigurable properties is offered by strain-tuning of materials, which we can control with unprecedent levels of precision using novel types of strain devices, which were pioneered at the MPI CPfS.
In this project we will explore the local tuning of the energy landscape of topological textures through the application of strain to three-dimensional magnetic nanostructures. In this way, we will realise reconfigurable tuning of the properties of a 3D magnetic nanostructure, opening the door to not only reconfigurable devices, but also establishing new possibilities for nanoscale magnetomechanical metamaterials.
This is an experimental project, that involves not only the development of mechanically elastic magnetic nanostructures, but the in-situ measurements of the magnetic properties of topological magnetic textures within the system. The project will involve advanced 3D nanofabrication [5] and the development of new experimental methods, and will lead to key advances in our understanding and control of three-dimensional spin systems.
[1] A. Fernández-Pacheco, R. Streubel, O. Fruchart, R. Hertel, P. Fischer & R.P. Cowburn
![Straining of topological textures in three dimensional magnetic nanostructures. Topology plays a role in both three-dimensional textures (e.g. Bloch point singularities, a) and magnetic nanostructures (e.g. nano-Möbius strips, b). b,c) Three-dimensional nanofabrication techniques allow for the patterning of three dimensional magnetic nanostructures with non-trivial topologies (b) and chirality (c). Here we aim to apply strain to tune the geometry of these nanostructures, and thus the energy landscape of topological magnetic textures. a) reproduced from [2], b) reproduced from [5], c) reproduced from [4].](/190718/original-1695638470.jpg?t=eyJ3aWR0aCI6MzQxLCJmaWxlX2V4dGVuc2lvbiI6ImpwZyIsIm9ial9pZCI6MTkwNzE4fQ%3D%3D--378e94224727aa233695423fa143bb7f929adcd3 "Straining of topological textures in three dimensional magnetic nanostructures. Topology plays a role in both three-dimensional textures (e.g. Bloch point singularities, a) and magnetic nanostructures (e.g. nano-Möbius strips, b). b,c) Three-dimensional nanofabrication techniques allow for the patterning of three dimensional magnetic nanostructures with non-trivial topologies (b) and chirality (c). Here we aim to apply strain to tune the geometry of these nanostructures, and thus the energy landscape of topological magnetic textures. a) reproduced from [2], b) reproduced from [5], c) reproduced from [4].")
![Straining of topological textures in three dimensional magnetic nanostructures. Topology plays a role in both three-dimensional textures (e.g. Bloch point singularities, a) and magnetic nanostructures (e.g. nano-Möbius strips, b). b,c) Three-dimensional nanofabrication techniques allow for the patterning of three dimensional magnetic nanostructures with non-trivial topologies (b) and chirality (c). Here we aim to apply strain to tune the geometry of these nanostructures, and thus the energy landscape of topological magnetic textures. a) reproduced from [2], b) reproduced from [5], c) reproduced from [4].](/190718/original-1695638470.jpg?t=eyJ3aWR0aCI6MjQ2LCJvYmpfaWQiOjE5MDcxOH0%3D--8c723c4775d431d28a9cdd3cd0a893002f91217b)
