Skyrmions are a topologically non-trivial magnetic state that has been observed in a number of different magnetic materials, such as the chiral cubic magnets FeGe, MnGe, and MnSi. In these non-centrosymmetric systems, competition between the symmetric exchange interaction and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction results in the formation of incommensurate spin textures, such as the vortex-like skyrmions. In metallic systems, such as FeGe, these skyrmions can be manipulated by small electrical currents, with motion occurring at very small current densities. This raises the possibility for them to be used in ultra-low energy electronic applications, such as memory devices or stochastic computing. In this talk, I will introduce general features of the skyrmion state, and present recent work on skyrmions in bulk and thin lamella of FeGe and MnGe, investigated using X-ray and neutron scattering as well as muon spectroscopy. In particular, I will discuss various ways to modify the stability and metastability of skyrmions in these systems, as well as investigations of the current-induced motion of skyrmions in sample with variable thickness and the prospects of this leading towards potential applications.
Studies were begun at Laurentian University, where I completed a BSc in Physics. I then continued with graduate studies at Dalhousie University, earning a MSc in Physics studying magnetic skyrmions with Ted Monchesky. I moved to McMaster to complete my graduate studies completing a PhD with Graeme Luke studying superconductors and magnetic materials. I then took up a post-doctoral position with an NSERC postdoctoral fellowship at Durham University, UK, working in the UK Skyrmion project with researchers across the country. Most recently, I began work as an assistant professor at Memorial University in July 2022 where I am continuing my study of magnetic materials.