Skyrmions—topologically protected vortex-like spin structures—have been proposed as the new information carriers in racetrack memory devices [1]. In order to realise such devices a small size, high speed of propagation, and minimal deflection angle are required. Modelling has shown that synthetic antiferromagnets (SAFs) present the ideal materials system to realise these aims [2]. However, their magnetic compensation makes observation of skyrmions difficult and indeed this was only recently achieved [3]. There is thus significantly more to understand about the behaviour of synthetic antiferromagnets and the skyrmions therein. Here we present experimental and simulation results of the project studying synthetic antiferromagnets and the skyrmions therein. We present a comprehensive study of the transition between the anti- and ferro-magnetic states of a synthetic antiferromagnet using MFM and XMCD-PEEM. Alongside this we also present the results of simulations of high frequency skyrmion dynamics in a SAF, as well as current induced domain wall motion studied with XMCD-STXM.

[1] S. P. Parkin et al., Science 320, 190 (2008)
[2] X. Zhang et al., Nature Communications 7, 10293 (2016)
[3] W. Legrand et al., Nature Materials 19, 34 (2020)


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