Superposition of Emergent Monopole and Antimonopole in CoTb Thin Films

Yao Guang, Kejing Ran, Junwei Zhang, Yizhou Liu, Senfu Zhang, Xuepeng Qiu, Yong Peng, Xixiang Zhang, Markus Weigand, Joachim Gräfe, Gisela Schütz, Gerrit van der Laan, Thorsten Hesjedal, Shilei Zhang, Guoqiang Yu, Xiufeng Han

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

A three-dimensional singular point that consists of two oppositely aligned emergent monopoles is identified in continuous CoTb thin films, as confirmed by complementary techniques of resonant elastic x-ray scattering, Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, and scanning transmission x-ray microscopy. This new type of topological defect can be regarded as a superposition of an emergent magnetic monopole and an antimonopole, around which the source and drain of the magnetic flux overlap in space. We experimentally prove that the observed spin twist seen in Lorentz transmission electron microscopy reveals the cross section of the superimposed three-dimensional structure, providing a straightforward strategy for the observation of magnetic singularities. Such a quasiparticle provides an excellent platform for studying the rich physics of emergent electromagnetism.
Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume127
Issue number21
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 16 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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