Electric-field control of the skyrmion lattice in Cu2OSeO3

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that applying an electric field can controllably rotate the skyrmion lattice in Cu2OSeO3, revealing a microscopic coupling between electric fields and skyrmions in an insulator.

Contribution

First experimental evidence of electric-field induced rotation of skyrmion lattices in an insulating magnetoelectric material.

Findings

Electric fields can rotate skyrmion lattices in Cu2OSeO3.

Demonstrates microscopic coupling between electric fields and skyrmions.

Shows potential for tailoring skyrmion properties via electric fields.

Abstract

Small-angle neutron scattering has been employed to study the influence of applied electric (E-) fields on the skyrmion lattice in the chiral lattice magnetoelectric Cu2OSeO3. In an experimental geometry with the E-field parallel to the [111] axis, and the magnetic field parallel to the [1-10] axis, we demonstrate that the effect of applying an E-field is to controllably rotate the skyrmion lattice around the magnetic field axis. Our results are an important first demonstration for a microscopic coupling between applied E-fields and the skyrmions in an insulator, and show that the general emergent properties of skyrmions may be tailored according to the properties of the host system.