Evolution of Skyrmion state from Helical state in Mn_xTaS₂

Skyrmion-based memory and logic devices are promising to overcome the limitations of the conventional data storage and information processing devices. However, the number of materials hosting magnetic skyrmions is very limited. Therefore, the discovery of new materials is an important avenue of research. In this work, we explore whether the skyrmion state can be an equilibrium state in Mn_xTaS₂ (MTD) as well as how does the skyrmion state emerges from the helical order with its helical length of 95 nm. By applying an external magnetic field, we were able to modulate the helical period and eventually obtain the skyrmion state. Our findings demonstrate the existence of the skyrmion state in MTD magnetic materials as well as the evolution path. 3D view of magnetic moments gives a picture of the Bloch-type skyrmion. Moreover, we measure the magnetoresistance as a function of the applied field for MTD materials. In the in-plane field dependence of magnetoresistance and magnetization, we saw the clear corresponding jumps when the skyrmion is formed.