Dramatic pressure-driven enhancement of bulk skyrmion stability

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Magnetic skyrmion lattices exhibit novel phenomena like the topological Hall effect.
• Magneto-electric coupling in Cu2OSeO3 allows electric field control of skyrmions.
• The thermodynamic stability of skyrmion lattices is crucial for applications but is currently limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate methods for enhancing the thermodynamic stability of magnetic skyrmion lattices.
• To explore the effect of external stimuli, specifically pressure, on skyrmion lattice stability in Cu2OSeO3.
• To understand the underlying mechanisms driving changes in skyrmion lattice stability.

Main Methods:

• Experimental application of moderate pressure to the insulating compound Cu2OSeO3.
• Characterization of the skyrmion lattice properties under pressure.
• Theoretical interpretation using an extended Ginzburg-Landau approach.

Main Results:

• Moderate pressure substantially increases the size of the skyrmion pocket in Cu2OSeO3.
• Pressure-induced enhancement of skyrmion lattice stability was demonstrated.
• The study identified changes in anisotropy as the primary factor controlling skyrmion pocket size.

Conclusions:

• Tuning the electronic structure via pressure is an effective strategy to enhance skyrmion lattice stability.
• The findings overcome limitations imposed by the narrow stability regions of skyrmion lattices in bulk materials.
• This work paves the way for developing robust spintronic devices utilizing magnetic skyrmions.