Tuning Topological Spin Textures in Size-Tailored Chiral Magnet Insulator Particles

Abstract

Topological spin textures such as skyrmions hold high potential for use as magnetically active elements in diverse near-future applications. While skyrmions in metallic multilayers attract great attention in this context, unleashing the myriad potential of skyrmions for various applications requires the discovery and customization of alternative host system paradigms. Here, we developed and applied a chemical method to synthesize octahedral particles of the chiral insulating skyrmion host Cu2OSeO3 with both narrow size distribution and tailored dimensions approaching the nanoscale. Combining magnetometry and neutron scattering experiments with micromagnetic simulations, we show that the bulk phase diagram of Cu2OSeO3 changes dramatically below octahedral heights of 400 nm. Further, particle size-dependent regimes are identified where various topological spin textures such as skyrmions, merons, and bobbers can stabilize, prior to a lower critical octahedral height of ∼190 nm below which no topological spin texture is found stable. These findings suggest conditions under which sparse topological spin textures confined to chiral magnet nanoparticles can be stable and provide fresh potential for insulator-based application paradigms.