Embedded Skyrmion Bags in Thin Films of Chiral Magnets

Abstract

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically nontrivial spin configurations that possess particle-like properties. Earlier research has mainly focused on a specific type of skyrmion with topological charge Q = -1. However, theoretical analyses of 2D chiral magnets have predicted the existence of skyrmion bags-solitons with arbitrary positive or negative topological charge. Although such spin textures are metastable states, recent experimental observations have confirmed the stability of isolated skyrmion bags in a limited range of applied magnetic fields. Here, by utilizing Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, the extraordinary stability of skyrmion bags in thin plates of B20-type FeGe is shown. In particular, it is shown that skyrmion bags embedded within a skyrmion lattice remain stable even in zero or inverted external magnetic fields. A robust protocol for nucleating such embedded skyrmion bags is provided. The results agree perfectly with micromagnetic simulations and establish thin plates of cubic chiral magnets as a powerful platform for exploring a broad spectrum of topological magnetic solitons.

Keywords: chiral magnet; magnetic imaging; skyrmion; transmission electron microscopy.