Skyrmion-induced bound states in a superconductor*

We consider a superconductor proximity coupled to a two-dimensional ferromagnetic film with a skyrmion texture. We predict the skyrmion bound states (SBS) that are induced in the superconductor, similar to the well-known Yu-Shiba-Rusinov (YSR) states. Using the T-matrix calculations and numerical modeling we calculate the spin-polarized local density of states in the superconductor in the vicinity of the skyrmion. The SBS wavefunctions have spatial power-law decay. Presence of the SBS suggests the mechanism by which superconductivity could facilitate an effective long-range interaction between skyrmions when their SBS wavefunctions overlap. \\ \\ arXiv:1511.01842