Speaker
Description
An important theme in magnetism is the understanding of phenomena in reduced dimensions using topology. Examples include excitations such as walls, vortices, merons and skyrmions, which exist in the spin textures of a range of systems [1]. Here we discuss case studies from our recent work, emphasising the ways in which muon site calculations, material simulation and $\mu$SR data can be combined to provide insights into the underlying interactions, magnetic phases and dynamics in topological materials.
1) In the multilayer system [Ta/CoFeB/MgO]$_{16}$/Ta, micromagnetic simulation and low-energy $\mu$SR provide evidence for a change from Néel- to Bloch-like skyrmions with depth into the material [2].
2) In the bulk centrosymmetric skyrmion host Gd$_{2}$PdSi$_{3}$ [3] single-crystal data and site calculations imply a prominent role for anistotropy in stabilizing skyrmions, while in related GdRu$_{2}$Si$_{2}$ [4], zero-point fluctuations determine the muon site and measurements suggests RKKY interactions lead to a skymion phase.
3) Finally, recent work on the toplogical-excitation hosting N$_{1/3}$NbS$_{2}$ series provides evidence for phase separation and dynamic transitions, and shows the role of electronic structure in the series.
[1] T. Lancaster, Contemp. Phys. 60, 246 (2019).
[2] T.J. Hicken et al., Phy. Rev. B 109, 134423 (2024).
[3] M. Gomilsek et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 134 046702 (2025).
[4] B.M. Huddart et al., Phys. Rev. B 111, 054440 (2025).
| tom.lancaster@durham.ac.uk | |
| Funding Agency | EPSRC (UK) |
| Supervisors Name | N/A |
| Supervisors Email | N/A |
| Did you request an Invitation Letter for a Visitors Visa Application | No |
