Work

Cu2OSeO3 turns trigonal with structural transformation and implications for skyrmions

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The formation and characteristics of magnetic skyrmions are strongly governed by the symmetry of the underlying crystal structure. In this study, we report the discovery of a new trigonal polymorph of Cu 2 OSeO 3 , observed exclusively in nanoparticles. Electron diffraction and density functional theory calculations confirm its R 3m space group, sharing C 3v symmetry with Néel-type skyrmion hosts. This polymorph is likely stabilized by surface effects, suggesting that size-induced structural changes may drive a transformation from Bloch-type to Néel-type skyrmions in Cu 2 OSeO 3 . This hypothesis could be consistent with prior unexplained observations of Néel-type skyrmions at the surfaces of bulk crystals, which may result from surface-specific structural distortions . Overall, these findings provide insights into the interplay between size, structure, and magnetism, opening pathways for controlling skyrmionic properties in nanoscale systems.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-15886-w

Authors: Alla Arakcheeva, Priya Ranjan Baral, Wen Hua Bi, Christian Jandl, Oleg Janson, Arnaud Magrez

Institutions: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, The University of Tokyo, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research

Language: English

Topic: Magnetic properties of thin films

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690

Funder: Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung