1. Superposition of emergent monopole and antimonopole in CoTb thin films
- Author
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Xuepeng Qiu, Markus Weigand, Xixiang Zhang, Gisela Schütz, Yizhou Liu, Senfu Zhang, Junwei Zhang, Guoqiang Yu, Xiufeng Han, Kejing Ran, Thorsten Hesjedal, Joachim Gräfe, Gerrit van der Laan, Shilei Zhang, Yao Guang, and Yong Peng
- Subjects
Physics ,Superposition principle ,Condensed matter physics ,Electromagnetism ,Scattering ,Magnetic monopole ,Quasiparticle ,General Physics and Astronomy ,Magnetic flux ,Topological defect ,Spin-½ - 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 quasi particle provides an excellent platform for studying the rich physics of emergent electromagnetism.
- Published
- 2021