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Methods of Ex Situ and In Situ Investigations of Structural Transformations: The Case of Crystallization of Metallic Glasses
Published on: June 7, 2018
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Particle-size dependent structural transformation of skyrmion lattice
R Takagi1,2,3, Y Yamasaki4,5,6,7, T Yokouchi4
1RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS), Wako, 351-0198, Japan. takagi@ap.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp.
Nature Communications
|November 12, 2020
Summary
Magnetic skyrmion lattice structures transform between triangular and square forms. This transition is driven by magnetic field-induced changes in skyrmion size and interface energy, revealing unique phase behavior.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected, particle-like spin textures in magnetic materials.
- Their size and shape are controllable via external stimuli, enabling unique crystallization and lattice transformation studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the mechanism of structural transition in skyrmion lattices (SkL).
- Focus on the triangular-to-square lattice transformation in the chiral magnet Cu2OSeO3 under magnetic field.
- Understand the role of skyrmion particle deformation in phase transitions.
Main Methods:
- Combined resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSXS) experiments.
- Micromagnetic simulations.
- Analysis of higher harmonics in RSXS patterns.
Main Results:
- Observed a magnetic field-induced triangular-to-square lattice transformation of metastable skyrmions.
- Simulations indicated that magnetic field modifies skyrmion core diameter and interface energy, triggering the symmetry change.
- RSXS confirmed internal deformation of skyrmion particles through higher harmonic analysis.
Conclusions:
- Skyrmion particle size and shape are crucial factors determining stable lattice forms.
- The study reveals exotic phase transition mechanisms for topological soliton ensembles under non-equilibrium conditions.
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