Formation and rotation of skyrmion crystal in the chiral-lattice insulator Cu2OSeO3

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • S. Seki - , The University of Tokyo (Author)
  • J. -H. Kim - , Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) (Author)
  • D. S. Inosov - , Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) (Author)
  • R. Georgii - , Technical University of Munich (Author)
  • B. Keimer - , Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) (Author)
  • S. Ishiwata - , The University of Tokyo (Author)
  • Y. Tokura - , Japan Science and Technology Agency (Author)

Abstract

Small-angle neutron scattering experiments were performed on a bulk single crystal of chiral-lattice multiferroic insulator Cu2OSeO3. In the absence of an external magnetic field, helical spin order with magnetic modulation vector q parallel to < 001 > was identified. When a magnetic field is applied, a triple-q magnetic structure emerges normal to the field in the A phase just below the magnetic ordering temperature T-c, which suggests the formation of a triangular lattice of skyrmions. Notably, the favorable q direction in the A phase changes from q parallel to < 110 > to q parallel to < 001 > upon approaching T-c. Near the phase boundary between these two states, the external magnetic field induces a 30 degrees rotation of the skyrmion lattice. This suggests a delicate balance between the magnetic anisotropy and the spin texture near T-c, such that even a small perturbation significantly affects the ordering pattern of the skyrmions.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number220406
Number of pages4
JournalPhysical Review B
Volume85
Issue number22
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jun 2012
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

Scopus 84863314146

Keywords

Keywords

  • MULTIFERROICS, MNSI

Library keywords