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Bloch Lines Constituting Antiskyrmions Captured via Differential Phase Contrast
Fehmi S Yasin1, Licong Peng1, Rina Takagi2,3
1RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), Wako, 351-0198, Japan.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|October 12, 2020
Summary
Researchers used differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy to visualize Bloch lines, exotic magnetic spin textures crucial for high-density data storage. This technique successfully measured in-plane magnetization in antiskyrmions and skyrmions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Bloch lines are exotic magnetic spin textures with potential for high-density magnetic storage.
- Their Néel-type rotation and small size make direct measurement challenging.
- Bloch lines are topological antiparticles of skyrmions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To utilize differential phase contrast (DPC) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) for measuring Bloch lines.
- To investigate Bloch lines within antiskyrmions in a Heusler magnet (Mn1.4Pt0.9Pd0.1Sn).
- To benchmark DPC-STEM by observing Bloch-type skyrmions in an FeGe magnet.
Main Methods:
- Differential phase contrast (DPC) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM).
- In-focus measurement of magnetic spin textures.
- Analysis of in-plane magnetization in magnetic antiskyrmions and skyrmions.
Main Results:
- Successfully measured the in-plane magnetization of Bloch lines within antiskyrmions.
- Identified Bloch lines at the corners of antiskyrmions.
- Validated DPC-STEM technique by observing Bloch-type skyrmions in FeGe.
Conclusions:
- DPC-STEM is an effective method for measuring Bloch lines in magnetic textures.
- Bloch lines can be visualized and characterized within antiskyrmions.
- The study provides insights into magnetic spin textures relevant for future data storage technologies.
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