Higher-order modulations in the skyrmion-lattice phase of Cu${}_2$OSeO${}_3$

Abstract

Using small angle neutron scattering, we have investigated higher-order peaks in the skyrmion-lattice phase of Cu${}_2$OSeO${}_3$, in which two different skyrmion lattices, SkX1 and SkX2, are known to form. For each skyrmion-lattice phase, we observed two sets of symmetrically inequivalent peaks at the higher-order-reflection positions with the indices $(110)$ and $(200)$. Under the condition where the SkX1 and SkX2 coexist, we confirmed the absence of the scattering at $\mathbf{Q}$ positions combining reflections from the two phases, indicating a significantly weak double-scattering component. Detailed analysis of the peak profile, as well as the temperature and magnetic-field dependence of the peak intensity, also supports the intrinsic higher-order modulation rather than the parasitic double scattering. The two higher-order modulations show contrasting magnetic-field dependence; the former $(110)$ increases as the field is increased, whereas the latter $(200)$ decreases. This indicates that, in Cu${}_2$OSeO${}_3$, skyrmions are weakly distorted, and the distortion is field-dependent in a way that the dominant higher-order modulation switches from $(110)$ to $(200)$ under field. Monte Carlo simulations under sweeping external magnetic field qualitatively reproduce the observed magnetic-field dependence, and suggests that the higher-order modulations correspond to the superlattices of weak swirlings appearing in the middle of the original triangular-latticed skyrmions.

13 pages, 14 figures

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