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Nikolai S. Kiselev

Publications and source records attributed to Nikolai S. Kiselev.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Formation and Magnetic Drive of 1D-Confined Topological Defect Lines in Crystals with D$_{2d}$ Symmetry

Designing and controlling topological spin textures within non-collinear magnetic backgrounds is central to the development of low-dissipation spintronic devices. Here we propose a general mechanism based on tunable magnetic anisotropy that enables the realization of one-dimensional topological defect lines embedded within intrinsic spin-spiral states of uniaxial D$_{2d}$-symmetric magnets, and is broadly applicable across diverse material platforms. Using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy and off-axis electron holography, we show that introducing in-plane magnetic anisotropy into the helical ground state stabilizes adjacent domains of conical helices with in-plane propagation vectors, sharing the same handedness but exhibit opposite net magnetization. The resulting interfacial mismatch generates confined bimeron-chains. Significantly, these defect lines are not merely induced merons; their presence is mandated by the specific D$_{2d}$ symmetry constraints inherent to the system. Applying weak magnetic fields along the conical axis drives counter-propagating motion of adjacent bimeron-chains along the helical stripes, while anisotropy-mediated confinement enables track-stable transverse drift free transport. The present work establishes a clear route to stabilize and control topological spin textures within intrinsically non-collinear magnetic states, advancing fundamental understanding and enabling low-dissipation, scalable spintronic device concepts.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Quantification of magnetic interactions in van der Waals heterostructures using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy and electron holography

Magnetic van der Waals (vdW) materials are promising for memory and logic applications because of their highly tunable magnetic properties and compatibility with vdW heterostructure devices. However, coupling between magnetic textures in stacked layers is difficult to resolve in conventional plan-view measurements because the magnetic signal is integrated over the sample thickness. Here, these interactions are quantified in Fe$_3$GeTe$_2$ (FGT)/graphite/FGT heterostructures using cross-sectional Lorentz transmission electron microscopy and off-axis electron holography, enabling reconstruction of the local magnetic induction within and between the layers. Domain alignment weakens with increasing FGT separation, yielding a stray-field coupling length scale of $λ= 37 \pm 7$ nm for the cross-sectional geometry studied here, corresponding to the average separation at which domain misalignment first emerges. This length scale corresponds to an approximately 23% reduction in the interlayer magnetic induction relative to bulk FGT. Surface effects result in a reduced magnetic induction compared to bulk FGT up to $\sim$100 nm from a surface. Comparisons of experimental data with model-based iterative reconstructions of the magnetization and micromagnetic simulations shows that the reduction in induction near surfaces is due to demagnetizing and stray fields. These results quantify the magnetic induction in stacked vdW magnets and guide the design of devices that require controllable coupling between magnetic textures.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Magnetic hopfions at room temperature

Hopfions are three-dimensional (3D) topological solitons predicted to exist in diverse magnetic systems, yet their practical utility has been largely restricted to cryogenic environments. Here, we overcome this temperature constraint by demonstrating stable magnetic hopfions in the chiral magnet Co8Zn8Mn4 at and above room temperature. Using a transmission electron microscope equipped for in situ optical excitation, we generate magnetic hopfions with femtosecond laser pulses. Long-term observations further reveal Brownian-like motion at room temperature and thermally activated collapse upon approaching the high-temperature regime. Together with micromagnetic simulations and homotopy group analysis, our experimental observations uncover the hopfion formation mechanism through the fusion of bimeron pairs. These findings establish room-temperature magnetic hopfions and provide a framework for their further studies under technologically relevant conditions.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Magnetic skyrmion lattice disclinations in pentagon- and heptagon-shaped FeGe crystals

Magnetic skyrmions in chiral magnets typically arrange into hexagonal lattices, with their structural order influenced by factors such as temperature, external magnetic fields and geometric constraints. While translational defects in skyrmion lattices such as dislocations have been extensively studied, individual angular defects, or disclinations, remain largely unexplored. Here, we report on the stabilization of five-fold and seven-fold disclinations in pentagon- and heptagon-shaped FeGe nanocrystals created using focused ion beam milling. The magnetic and elastic structures of the disclinated lattices are investigated using Fresnel imaging and off-axis electron holography in a transmission electron microscope. The results are supported by micromagnetic simulations and analytical models based on linear elasticity theory.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Electric-current-assisted nucleation of zero-field hopfion rings

Magnetic hopfions are three-dimensional topological solitons -- knotted, vortex-like spin configurations. In chiral magnets, hopfions can appear as isolated structures or they can be linked to skyrmion strings. Previous studies employed a sophisticated protocol and a special sample geometry to nucleate such hopfions linked to one or a few skyrmion strings. Here, we introduce an electric-current-assisted nucleation protocol that is simple and independent of the sample shape and size. The resulting hopfions exhibit extraordinary stability in the presence of both positive and negative magnetic fields, in perfect agreement with micromagnetic simulations. We also present a comprehensive framework for classifying hopfions, skyrmions, and merons by deriving the corresponding homotopy group.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Linked skyrmions in shifted magnetic bilayer

Magnetic solitons have recently attracted significant attention due to their intricate physical properties and potential applications in information processing. The majority of the studies in this field, however, are focused on a particular type of solitons known as skyrmions, characterised by a unit topological charge. Here, we present a shifted magnetic bilayer that can demonstrate magnetic solitons with arbitrary large topological charges. These configurations, which we call linked skyrmions, consist of multiple skyrmions linked together with topological point defects. These topological point defects, termed as anti-aligned points, originate from the mutually orthogonal Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in two different layers. By tuning the interlayer exchange coupling and the external magnetic field, one can also achieve different ground states in this bilayer. Additionally, the system also demonstrates conventional skyrmion-bags and $kπ$-skyrmions. Finally we propose a suitable material candidate where these magnetic configurations can be realised. Our findings, thus, can provide a way to achieve solitons with large topological charge and realise them in realistic systems.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Paradoxical Topological Soliton Lattice in Anisotropic Frustrated Chiral Magnets

Two-dimensional chiral magnets are known to host a variety of skyrmions, characterized by an integer topological charge. However, these systems typically favor uniform lattices as a thermodynamically stable phase composed of either skyrmions (Q = -1) or antiskyrmions (Q = 1). In isotropic chiral magnets, skyrmion-antiskyrmion coexistence is typically transient due to mutual annihilation, making the observation of a stable, long-range ordered lattice a significant challenge. Here, we address this challenge by demonstrating a skyrmion-antiskyrmion lattice as a magnetic field-induced topological ground state in chiral magnets with competing anisotropic interactions, specifically Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya and frustrated exchange interactions. This unique lattice exhibits a net-zero global topological charge due to the balanced populations of skyrmions and antiskyrmions. Furthermore, density functional theory and spin-lattice simulations identify 2Fe/InSb(110) as an ideal candidate material for realizing this phase. This finding reveals new possibilities for manipulating magnetic solitons and establishes anisotropic frustrated chiral magnets as a promising material class for future spintronic applications.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Regularized Micromagnetic Theory for Bloch Points

Magnetic singularities known as Bloch points (BPs) present a fundamental challenge for micromagnetic theory, which is based on the assumption of a fixed magnetization vector length. Due to the divergence of the effective field at a BP, classical micromagnetics fails to adequately describe BP dynamics. To address this issue, we propose a regularized micromagnetic model in which the magnetization vector can vary in length but not exceed a threshold value. More specifically, the magnetization is treated as an order parameter constrained to a S3-sphere. This constraint respects fundamental properties of local spin expectation values in quantum systems. We derive the corresponding regularized Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation and the analogue of the Thiele equation describing the steady motion of spin textures under various external stimuli. We demonstrate the applicability of our theory by modeling the dynamics of several magnetic textures containing BPs, including domain walls in nanowires, chiral bobbers, and magnetic dipolar strings. The presented results extend micromagnetic theory by incorporating a regularized description of BP dynamics.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

All-optical stochastic switching of magnetization textures in Fe$_3$Sn$_2$

The all-optical control of magnetization at room temperature broadens the scope of applications of spin degrees-of-freedom in data storage, spintronics, and quantum computing. Topological magnetic spin structures, such as skyrmions, are of particular interest due to their particle-like properties, small size and inherent stability. Controlling skyrmion states without strong magnetic fields or large current densities would create new possibilities for their application. In this work, we utilize femtosecond optical pulses to alter the helicity of the spin configuration in dipolar skyrmions formed in the kagome magnet Fe$_3$Sn$_2$ in the absence of an external magnetic field and at room temperature. In situ Lorentz transmission electron microscopy is used to visualize the stochastic, light-induced switching process of chiral Néel caps, while the internal Bloch component of the dipolar skyrmions remain unchanged. In addition to this switching process, we observe the interconversion between type I skyrmionic and type II bubble configurations depending on the external magnetic field and illumination conditions. To corroborate the spin states and the light-induced magnetization dynamics, micromagnetic modelling and simulations of the resulting electron phase shift maps are conducted to elucidate the spin rearrangement induced by individual femtosecond optical pulses.

physics.optics↗

Stability and Nucleation of Dipole Strings in Uniaxial Chiral Magnets

We report on the stability of the magnetic dipole string (DS), a three-dimensional magnetic texture formed by two coupled Bloch points with opposite topological charges, separated by an equilibrium distance. Previous studies demonstrated the stability of such configurations through geometric confinement or coupling with local perturbations in the magnetization field, such as skyrmion strings or dislocations in helical modulations. Here, we show that, in uniaxial chiral magnets, an isolated DS remains stable in an unperturbed vacuum, thus representing a true three-dimensional soliton. The phase diagram illustrates the stability of the DS embedded in the conical or helical phases across a broad range of material parameters and external magnetic fields. Using the geodesic nudged elastic band method applied to a regularized micromagnetic model, we demonstrate that isolated DSs are protected from collapse by an energy barrier. Stochastic spin-lattice simulations demonstrate that DSs can spontaneously nucleate during in-field annealing. This work aims to stimulate the experimental observation of DSs and further exploration of uniaxial chiral magnets.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Topological invariants of vortices, merons, skyrmions, and their combinations in continuous and discrete systems

Magnetic vortices and skyrmions are typically characterized by distinct topological invariants. This work presents a unified approach for the topological classification of these textures, encompassing isolated objects and configurations where skyrmions and vortices coexist. Using homotopy group analysis, we derive topological invariants that form the free abelian group, $\mathbb{Z}\times\mathbb{Z}$. We provide an explicit method for calculating the corresponding integer indices in continuous and discrete systems. This unified classification framework extends beyond magnetism and is applicable to physical systems in general.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Symmetry-Governed Dynamics of Magnetic Skyrmions Under Field Pulses

Topological magnetic solitons, such as skyrmions, exhibit intriguing particle-like properties that make them attractive for fundamental research and practical applications. While many magnetic systems can host skyrmions as statically stable configurations, chiral magnets stand out for their ability to accommodate a wide diversity of skyrmions with arbitrary topological charges and varied morphologies. Despite extensive investigation, a complete understanding of chiral magnetic skyrmions has remained elusive. We present a classification of all chiral skyrmions, demonstrating three classes based on their response to external magnetic field pulses: stationary, translating, and rotating. We highlight the role of magnetic texture symmetry in this classification. Skyrmions with varied dynamics offer avenues for exploring phenomena like skyrmion-skyrmion scattering that might be crucial for future applications.

cond-mat.str-el↗

Embedded skyrmion bags in thin films of chiral magnets

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically nontrivial spin configurations that possess particle-like properties. Earlier research was mainly focused on a specific type of skyrmion with topological charge Q = -1. However, theoretical analyses of two-dimensional 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, we show the extraordinary stability of skyrmion bags in thin plates of B20-type FeGe. In particular, we show 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. Our 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.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Skyrmions and antiskyrmions in monoaxial chiral magnets

We show that competition between local interactions in monoaxial chiral magnets provides the stability of two-dimensional (2D) solitons with identical energies but opposite topological charges. These skyrmions and antiskyrmions represent metastable states in a wide range of parameters above the transition into the saturated ferromagnetic phase. The symmetry of the underlying micromagnetic functional gives rise to soliton zero modes allowing efficient control of their translational movement by the frequency of the circulating external magnetic field. We also discuss the role of demagnetizing fields in the energy balance between skyrmion and antiskyrmion and in their stability.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Multilayer metamaterials with mixed ferromagnetic domain core and antiferromagnetic domain wall structure

Magnetic nano-objects possess great potential for more efficient data processing, storage and neuromorphic type of applications. Using high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy synthetic antiferromagnets in the form of multilayer-based metamaterials we purposely reduce the antiferromagnetic (AF) interlayer exchange energy below the out-of-plane demagnetization energy, which controls the magnetic domain formation. As we show via macroscopic magnetometry as well as microscopic Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, in this unusual magnetic energy regime, it becomes possible to stabilize nanometer scale stripe and bubble textures consisting of ferromagnetic (FM) out-of-plane domain cores separated by AF in-plane Bloch-type domain walls. This unique coexistence of mixed FM/AF order on the nanometer scale opens so far unexplored perspectives in the architecture of magnetic domain landscapes as well as the design and functionality of individual magnetic textures, such as bubble domains with alternating chirality.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

Heliknoton in a film of cubic chiral magnet

Cubic chiral magnets exhibit a remarkable diversity of two-dimensional topological magnetic textures, including skyrmions. However, the experimental confirmation of topological states localized in all three spatial dimensions remains challenging. In this paper, we investigate a three-dimensional topological state called a heliknoton, which is a hopfion embedded into a helix or conic background. We explore the range of parameters at which the heliknoton can be stabilized under realistic conditions using micromagnetic modeling, harmonic transition state theory, and stochastic spin dynamics simulations. We present theoretical Lorentz TEM images of the heliknoton, which can be used for experimental comparison. Additionally, we discuss the stability of the heliknoton at finite temperatures and the mechanism of its collapse. Our study offers a pathway for future experimental investigations of three-dimensional topological solitons in magnetic crystals.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Tailed skyrmions -- an obscure branch of magnetic solitons

We report tailed skyrmions -- a new class of stable soliton solutions of the 2D chiral magnet model. Tailed skyrmions have elongated shapes and emerge in a narrow range of fields near the transition between the spin spirals and the saturated state. We analyze the stability range of these solutions in terms of external magnetic field and magnetocrystalline anisotropy. Minimum energy paths and the homotopies (continuous transitions) between tailed skyrmions of the same topological charge have been calculated using the geodesic nudged elastic bands method. The discovery of tailed skyrmions extends the diversity of already-known solutions illustrated by complex morphology solitons, such as tailed skyrmion bags with and without chiral kinks.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

Homotopy transitions and 3D magnetic solitons

This work provides a concept for three-dimensional magnetic solitons based on mapping the homotopy path between various two-dimensional solutions onto the third spatial axis. The representative examples of statically stable configurations of that type in the model of an isotropic chiral magnet are provided. Various static and dynamic properties of such three-dimensional magnetic solitons are discussed in detail.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗