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Direct visualization of the three-dimensional shape of skyrmion strings in a noncentrosymmetric magnet

 

Authors
S. Seki, M. Suzuki*, M. Ishibashi, R. Takagi, N. D. Khanh, Y. Shiota, K. Shibata, W. Koshibae, Y. Tokura, T. Ono

Abstract
Magnetic skyrmions are topologically stable swirling spin textures that appear as particle-like objects in two-dimensional (2D) systems. Here, utilizing scalar magnetic X-ray tomography under applied magnetic fields, we report the direct visualization of the three-dimensional (3D) shape of individual skyrmion strings in the room-temperature skyrmion-hosting non-centrosymmetric compound Mn1.4Pt0.9Pd0.1Sn. Through the tomographic reconstruction of the 3D distribution of the [001] magnetization component on the basis of transmission images taken at various angles, we identify a skyrmion string running through the entire thickness of the sample, as well as various defect structures, such as the interrupted and Y-shaped strings. The observed point defect may represent the Bloch point serving as an emergent magnetic monopole, as proposed theoretically. Our tomographic approach with a tunable magnetic field paves the way for direct visualization of the structural dynamics of individual skyrmion strings in 3D space, which will contribute to a better understanding of the creation, annihilation and transfer of these topological objects.

 

 

Nature Materials:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-021-01141-w