Topological aspects of multi-k antiferromagnetism in cubic rare-earth compounds

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • W. Simeth - , Technical University of Munich, Paul Scherrer Institute (Author)
  • M. C. Rahn - , Chair of Physics of Quantum Materials, Technical University of Munich, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • A. Bauer - , Technical University of Munich (Author)
  • M. Meven - , Jülich Research Centre, RWTH Aachen University (Author)
  • Christian Pfleiderer - , Technical University of Munich, Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST) (Author)

Abstract

We advertise rare-earth intermetallics with high-symmetry crystal structures and competing interactions as a possible materials platform hosting spin structures with non-trivial topological properties. Focusing on the series of cubic RCu compounds, where R = Ho, Er, Tm, the bulk properties of these systems display exceptionally rich magnetic phase diagrams hosting an abundance of different phase pockets characteristic of antiferromagnetic order in the presence of delicately balanced interactions. The electrical transport properties exhibit large anomalous contributions suggestive of topologically non-trivial winding in the electronic and magnetic structures. Neutron diffraction identifies spontaneous long-range magnetic order in terms of commensurate and incommensurate variations of ( π π 0 ) antiferromagnetism with the possibility for various multi- k configurations. Motivated by general trends in these materials, we discuss the possible existence of topologically non-trivial winding in real and reciprocal space in the class of RCu compounds including antiferromagnetic skyrmion lattices. Putatively bringing together different limits of non-trivial topological winding in the same material, the combination of properties in RCu systems promises access to advanced functionalities.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number215602
JournalJournal of Physics Condensed Matter
Volume36
Issue number21
Publication statusPublished - 29 May 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 38295434

Keywords

Keywords

  • antiferromagnetism, Skyrmion lattice, topological spin textures