Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected spin textures that are being investigated for their potential use in next generation magnetic storage devices. Here, magnetic skyrmions and other magnetic phases in Fe1−
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Abstract x Cox Ge (x < 0.1) microplates (MPLs) newly synthesized via chemical vapor deposition are studied using both magnetic imaging and transport measurements. Lorentz transmission electron microscopy reveals a stabilized magnetic skyrmion phase near room temperature (≈280 K) and a quenched metastable skyrmion lattice via field cooling. Magnetoresistance (MR) measurements in three different configurations reveal a unique anomalous MR signal at temperatures below 200 K and two distinct field dependent magnetic transitions. The topological Hall effect (THE), known as the electronic signature of magnetic skyrmion phase, is detected for the first time in a Fe1−x Cox Ge nanostructure, with a large and positive peak THE resistivity of ≈32 nΩ cm at 260 K. This large magnitude is attributed to both nanostructuring and decreased carrier concentrations due to Co alloying of the Fe1−x Cox Ge MPL. A consistent magnetic phase diagram summarized from both the magnetic imaging and transport measurements shows that the magnetic skyrmions are stabilized in Fe1−x Cox Ge MPLs compared to bulk materials. This study lays the foundation for future skyrmion‐based nanodevices in information storage technologies. -
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Abstract The quinary members in the solid solution Hf2Fe1−
δ Ru5−x Irx +δ B2(x =1–4, VE=63–66) have been investigated experimentally and computationally. They were synthesized via arc‐melting and analyzed by EDX and X‐ray diffraction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations predicted a preference for magnetic ordering in all members, but with a strong competition between ferro‐ and antiferromagnetism arising from interchain Fe−Fe interactions. The spin exchange and magnetic anisotropy energies predicted the lowest magnetic hardness forx =1 and 3 and the highest forx =2. Magnetization measurements confirm the DFT predictions and demonstrate that the antiferromagnetic ordering (T N=55–70 K) found at low magnetic fields changed to ferromagnetic (T C=150–750 K) at higher fields, suggesting metamagnetic behavior for all samples. As predicted, Hf2FeRu3Ir2B2has the highest intrinsic coercivity (Hc =74 kA/m) reported to date for Ti3Co5B2‐type phases. Furthermore, all coercivities outperform that of ferromagnetic Hf2FeIr5B2, indicating the importance of AFM interactions in enhancing magnetic anisotropy in these materials. Importantly, two members (x =1 and 4) maintain intrinsic coercivities in the semi‐hard range at room temperature. This study opens an avenue for controlling magnetic hardness by modulating antagonistic AFM and FM interactions in low‐dimensional rare‐earth‐free magnetic materials.
