Skyrmion lattice annihilation by point defects in the multiferroic Cu 2 OSeO 3
Résumé
First-principles-based effective Hamiltonian simulations are used to reveal the hidden connection between various topological defects, namely point defects and skyrmions, in copper oxide selenite (Cu2OSeO3). Using this approach, we show that (i) Cu2OSeO3 hosts different topological defects with a nonzero local topological charge in various regions of the magnetic-field-temperature phase diagram (H, T ), (ii) point defects exert external pressure on skyrmions leading to their gradual annihilation as temperature increases, and (iii) this annihilation of skyrmions is a result of the melting of the lattice into a glassylike state of spins that connects with the paramagnetic phase.