Manipulation of generation and evolution of topological spin texture in NdCo5 alloys by rapid solidification

Abstract

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically stable magnetic textures with novel behaviors suitable for applications in future spintronic devices. Tuning the temperature range of topological spin textures is imperative for their potential applications. Here, by means of the rapid solidification, topological magnetic transitions in the NdCo5 bulk alloy are manipulated whereby skyrmions spontaneously generate at a higher temperature in ribbons. The direct observation of magnetic domain evolution via in situ Lorentz transmission electron microscopy reveals that the topological magnetic transition is dependent on the crystal orientations, where magnetic domain evolution is different within the a-b plane between the bulk and ribbons of NdCo5. Our work provides a way to tune the temperature range of topological spin textures and helps to clarify the importance of magnetic anisotropy on stabilizing the topological spin textures.