Mapping the magnetization fine structure of a lattice of Bloch-type skyrmions in an FeGe thin film

Abstract

Bloch-type magnetic skyrmions are nanoscale vortex-like spin objects that form densely packed lattice arrangements in B20-type chiral magnets in the presence of a magnetic field. Here, we use off-axis electron holography, in combination with an iterative model-based reconstruction algorithm, to study the geometries of the projected in-plane magnetization distributions of individual skyrmions in an FeGe thin film as a function of applied magnetic field. We compare our results with micromagnetic simulations and find a departure from magnetic chirality in the transition regions between adjacent skyrmions when they are in lattice arrangements.

First-principles study of isotropic exchange interactions and spin stiffness in FeGe

“…The physical validity of thus mounted picture is to be checked by estimation of magnetic transition temperature as proportional to total exchange field of a single magnetic atom. Proposed two-sided approach is expected to support other studies [28,29,30] in investigation of the processes, underlying the formation of collective magnetic excitations in metallic systems.…”

Quantification of Magnetic Surface and Edge States in an FeGe Nanostripe by Off-Axis Electron Holography

“…3(b)]. The internal spin structures of individual Skyrmions adopted hexagonal rather than circular shapes, as a result of their proximity to each other in a lattice state [18,21,33]. Interestingly, the hexagonal Skyrmions are elongated in the vertical direction in the nanostripe.…”

“…measured from the helices is approximately 80% of the expected value of 318 kA m −1 . This discrepancy is likely to result from a nonmagnetic surface layer on the TEM specimen, as well as from possible inaccuracy in the determination of the specimen thickness [33].…”

Physical foundations and basic properties of magnetic skyrmions

“…The solutions derived within this simplified model [1-4, 11, 35] introduce fundamental properties of skyrmionic states in non-centrosymmetric ferromagnets. These findings offer the conceptual and mathematical basis for theoretical investigations of complex magnetic phenomena in magnetic nanolayers [28][29][30][31][32]34] and artificial magnetic multilayers with intrinsic, or induced Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions (see e.g. [37,42] [19].…”