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arXiv · 1108.2923

Magnetic Blue Phase in the Chiral Itinerant Magnet MnSi

A. Hamann·D. Lamago·Th. Wolf·H. v. Lohneysen·D. Reznik
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Abstract

Chiral nematic liquid crystals sometimes form blue phases characterized by spirals twisting in different directions. By combining model calculations with neutron-scattering experiments, we show that the magnetic analogue of blue phases does form in the chiral itinerant magnet MnSi in a large part of the phase diagram. The properties of this blue phase explain a number of previously reported puzzling features of MnSi such as partial magnetic order and a two-component specific-heat and thermal-expansion anomaly at the magnetic transition.

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A. Hamann, D. Lamago, Th. Wolf, H. v. Lohneysen, D. Reznik. 2011-08-15. Magnetic Blue Phase in the Chiral Itinerant Magnet MnSi. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.107.037207

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