Spontaneous interstitial (anti)merons in D$_{2d}$ symmetric Mn-Pt(Pd)-Sn-In system

Abstract

Interstitial topological objects, such as skyrmions, within a natural 1-D helix are predicted to be free from ambiguous 'skyrmion Hall effect'. The helical ambience precipitate an additional potential that counteract the Magnus force arising from the gyrotropic motion of skyrmion. Here, we present the observation of $\pm$ $\frac{1}{2}$ topological charge objects (anti)merons within the 1-D helical stripes in D$_{2d}$ symmetric Mn$_{1.4}$Pt$_{0.9}$Pd$_{0.1}$Sn$_{1-x}$In$_{x}$ system. With the help of Lorentz transmission electron microscopy study we demonstrate that the pair-wise meron and antimeron chains can be spontaneously stabilized for a critical In concentration in the system. The exchange frustration induced proportionate fragmentation of the magnetic moment in the in-plane and easy-axis directions acts as a basic ingredient for the formation of (anti)merons within the helical stripe. A constrained drift motion of (anti)merons along the stripe makes this system an ideal platform for the realization of skyrmion Hall free track motion. Moreover, the observation of (anti)merons in addition to the skyrmion and antiskyrmion in D$_{2d}$ materials makes them a suitable horizon for zoo of topology.