Nematic and smectic stripe phases and stripe-SkX transformations

Based on the findings of skyrmion nature of stripes and the metastability of a state of an arbitrary number of skyrmions, precisely controlled manipulation of stripes of skyrmion number 1 in pre-designed structures and mutual transformation between helical states and skyrmion crystals (SkXs) are demonstrated in chiral magnetic films. As a proof of the concept, we show how to use patterned magnetic fields and spin-transfer torques (STTs) to generate nematic and smectic stripe phases, as well as UST mosaic from three curved stripes. Cutting one stripe into many pieces and coalescing several skyrmions into one by various external fields are good ways to transform helical states and SkXs from each other.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the nature of skyrmion stripes and the metastability of different skyrmion states in chiral magnetic films. It demonstrates the precise control and manipulation of skyrmion stripes in designed structures, as well as the transformation between helical states and skyrmion crystals (SkXs). The study shows how to generate different stripe phases and mosaic structures using patterned magnetic fields and spin-transfer torques (STTs), and also explores methods of transforming helical states and SkXs by cutting and coalescing stripes with external fields.