Abstract :
[en] We report small-angle neutron scattering studies of the lacunar spinelGaV4S8,which reveal the long-wavelength
<br />magnetic phases to be cycloidally modulated. Upon cooling, these modulated phases, including a recently
<br />proposed Néel-type skyrmion phase, transform into a simple ferromagnetic state. These results indicate the
<br />modulated phases in GaV4S8 gain their stability from thermal fluctuations, while at lower temperatures the
<br />ferromagnetic state emerges in accord with the strong easy-axis magnetic anisotropy. Crucially, our study provides
<br />microscopic evidence that the skyrmions in GaV4S8 indeed display a Néel-type helicity. More generally, our
<br />approach can be applied to evidence the helicity of any bulk skyrmion phase.
Scopus citations®
without self-citations
19