Fig. 1: The scalar field maps of spin textures observed by tomographic differential-phase-contrast microscopy (DPCM) at a field-free scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) mode in a magnet (Fe0.63Ni0.3Pd0.07)3P (FNPP).
From: 3D skyrmion strings and their melting dynamics revealed via scalar-field electron tomography
a The schematics of the non-centrosymmetric crystal structure of M3P (M: Fe, Pd, Ni) with the space group of I\(\bar{4}\) (S4 symmetry). b Schematic of the thin plate showing its dimensions. c Profiles of the thickness versus sample position along the x- (left panel) and y- (right panel) axes, respectively. d and e Simulated spin textures for antiskyrmion (d) and elliptical skyrmion (e) based on material parameters of the FNPP at room temperature (RT). f Integrated DPC (iDPC, phase) image observed in the FNPP plate showing mixtures of stripes and elliptical skyrmions (ellipses). g and h Scalar-field maps of elliptical skyrmions in the XY-planes g at the center (z = 130 nm) and h on the bottom surface (z = 0). The small white arrows denote vortex-like textures appearing on the surface of the elliptical skyrmion (h) while absent at the center of the skyrmion (g). i A three-dimensional (3D) configuration of an elliptical skyrmion, as indicated by a dashed-line yellow arrow in f, showing two separated vortices emerging near the top and bottom surfaces of the elliptically cylindrical skyrmion. j Top-view of the elliptical skyrmion string.
