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Magnetic Skyrmion Encoding by Structured Light

Zhang Qifan, Yu Wangke, Nie Zhongquan, Shen Yijie, Lin Shirong

Abstract

Structured light fields, featuring unique topological properties and high tunability, have opened new frontiers in light-matter interactions with magnetic systems. However, the ultrafast and reconfigurable optical encoding of various types of topological magnetic textures remains a significant challenge. Here, we systematically investigate the encoding mechanism of structured light in magnets via the higher-order Poincaré sphere. By uncovering the precise relationship between the winding number of structured light and the topological charge of magnetic textures, we establish a fundamental topological connection between light and magnetism. This framework enables ultrafast, all-optical encoding of diverse topological spin textures in magnetic media, including skyrmions, antiskyrmions and skyrmion bags. Our work advances the fundamental understanding and all-optical control of topological magnetism, offering a promising route for designing skyrmion-based devices.

Magnetic Skyrmion Encoding by Structured Light

Abstract

Structured light fields, featuring unique topological properties and high tunability, have opened new frontiers in light-matter interactions with magnetic systems. However, the ultrafast and reconfigurable optical encoding of various types of topological magnetic textures remains a significant challenge. Here, we systematically investigate the encoding mechanism of structured light in magnets via the higher-order Poincaré sphere. By uncovering the precise relationship between the winding number of structured light and the topological charge of magnetic textures, we establish a fundamental topological connection between light and magnetism. This framework enables ultrafast, all-optical encoding of diverse topological spin textures in magnetic media, including skyrmions, antiskyrmions and skyrmion bags. Our work advances the fundamental understanding and all-optical control of topological magnetism, offering a promising route for designing skyrmion-based devices.
Paper Structure (8 equations, 4 figures)

This paper contains 8 equations, 4 figures.

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Representation of the higher-order Poincaré sphere (HOPS) for (a) $m=1$ and (b) $m=-1$. Representative polarization states at selected ($\theta$, $\varphi$) points are illustrated. The poles correspond to circularly polarized vortex eigenstates, the equator corresponds to $\pi$-vector beams, and intermediate points correspond to elliptically polarized states. (c) Schematic illustration of magnetic textures encoded by HOPS structured light.
  • Figure 2: Magnetization dynamics of the magnets under the influence of beams at $\theta=\pi/2$ on the HOPS with $m=\pm1$. Snapshots of spin states for (a), (d), (g), (j) the magnetic fields in magnet possessing DMI that stabilizes (b), (e), (h), (k) Bloch skyrmions and (c), (f), (i), (l) antiskyrmions.
  • Figure 3: Magnetization dynamics of the magnets under the influence of beams at $\theta=\pi$ and $3\pi/4$ on the HOPS with $m=\pm1$. Snapshots of spin states for (a), (d), (g), (j) the magnetic fields in magnet possessing DMI that stabilizes (b), (e), (h), (k) Bloch skyrmions and (c), (f), (i), (l) antiskyrmions.
  • Figure 4: Magnetization dynamics of magnet possessing DMI that stabilizes Bloch skyrmions under the influence of two kinds of HOPS beams. Snapshots of spin states in the magnet (a1) at $t=78$ and (a2) in the stable state, which is skyrmion bag $S_1(2)$; Snapshots of spin states (b1) at $t=129$ and (b2) in the stable state, which is skyrmion bag $S_2(2)$; Snapshots of spin states (c1) at $t=208$ and (c2) in the stable state, which is skyrmion bag $S_2(8)$; (d) Energy-versus-time curve for the topological texture formation process shown in (b2).