# Versatile Strain-Tuning of Modulated Long-Period Magnetic Structures

## TL;DR

This study uses small-angle neutron scattering to explore how different strains affect the stability of skyrmion lattices in MnSi, revealing that tensile strain destabilizes the phase.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a versatile strain cell capable of applying in-situ tensile or compressive strain for magnetic SANS experiments, enabling detailed studies of strain effects on magnetic structures.

## Key findings

- Tensile strain destabilizes the skyrmion lattice phase.
- The strain cell allows in-situ control of strain during experiments.
- The device is compatible with common cryogenic environments.

## Abstract

We report a detailed small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) study of the skyrmion lattice phase of MnSi under compressive and tensile strain. In particular, we demonstrate that tensile strain applied in the skyrmion lattice plane, perpendicular to the magnetic field, acts to destabilize the skyrmion lattice phase. This experiment was enabled by our development of a versatile strain cell, unique in its ability to select the application of either tensile or compressive strain in-situ by using two independent helium-actuated copper pressure transducers, whose design has been optimized for magnetic SANS on modulated long-period magnetic structures and vortex lattices, and is compact enough to fit in common sample environments, such as cryostats and superconducting magnets.