Mn vacancy defects, grain boundaries, and A-phase stability of helimagnet MnSi
Journal
Journal of Physics Condensed Matter
Journal Volume
28
Journal Issue
026004
Pages
1-8
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Abstract
Mn vacancy defect and grain size are shown to modify the magnetic phase diagram of MnSi significantly, especially near the critical regime of A-phase (skyrmion lattice) formation and the helimagnetic phase transition. Crystals grown using controlled nonstoichiometric initial precursors creates both grain boundaries and intrinsic Mn vacancy defect of various levels in MnSi. The results of combined transport, specific heat, and AC spin susceptibility measurements are compared for MnSi single crystal samples of various manganese deficiency levels and grain sizes. The finite-size effect and Mn vacancy level dependent helical phase transition temperature T(c) have been identified and verified. The stability of A-phase in H-T phase space has been examined through AC spin susceptibility data analysis.
Publisher
Institute of Physics Publishing
Type
journal article