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Published on: July 20, 2022
Quantum order in the chiral magnet MnSi
C Pfleiderer1, A Neubauer, S Mühlbauer
1Physik Department E21, Technische Universität München, D-85748 Garching, Germany.
Summary
Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interactions in MnSi can create unique magnetic structures. Under pressure, MnSi exhibits a non-Fermi liquid state, possibly due to topological spin textures, not quantum criticality.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Systems lacking inversion symmetry enable Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya (DM) spin-orbit interactions, crucial for chiral and topologically non-trivial magnetic structures.
- DM interactions offer potential applications in multiferroic and spintronic devices due to coupled properties.
- The cubic B20 compound MnSi is a key material for studying DM interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the magnetic field and pressure-dependent magnetic properties of MnSi.
- To investigate the nature of the non-Fermi liquid state observed in MnSi under hydrostatic pressure.
- To explore the potential role of topological spin textures and excitations in MnSi's exotic magnetic phases.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of magnetic properties under varying magnetic fields and hydrostatic pressures.
- Analysis of magnetic ordering and phase transitions in MnSi.
- Interpretation of experimental results in the context of spin-orbit interactions and topological phenomena.
Main Results:
- At ambient pressure, MnSi exhibits helical magnetic order.
- Under hydrostatic pressure, a partial magnetic order, resembling liquid crystals, emerges, defining a non-Fermi liquid state.
- Recent experiments indicate this non-Fermi liquid state is not driven by quantum criticality.
Conclusions:
- The non-Fermi liquid state in pressurized MnSi may signify the presence of topologically non-trivial spin textures and excitations.
- DM interactions in MnSi are fundamental to its unique magnetic properties and potential technological applications.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the topological nature of spin phenomena in MnSi.
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