Beyond fixed-size skyrmions in nanodots: switchable multistability with ferromagnetic ring

Abstract

We demonstrate a novel approach to control and stabilize magnetic skyrmions in ultrathin multilayer nanostructures through spatially engineered magnetostatic fields generated by ferromagnetic nanorings. Using analytical modeling and micromagnetic simulations, we show that the stray fields from a Co/Pd ferromagnetic ring with out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy significantly enhance N\'eel-type skyrmion stability in an Ir/Co/Pt nanodot, even without Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. Most notably, we observe a multistability phenomenon, where skyrmions can be stabilized at two or more distinct equilibrium diameters depending on the ring's magnetization orientation. These stable states exhibit energy barriers substantially exceeding thermal fluctuations at room temperature, suggesting practical applications for robust multibit memory storage. By tuning geometric parameters of the ferromagnetic ring, we demonstrate precise control over skyrmion size and stability, opening pathways for advanced spintronic nanodevices.