Stability of skyrmions in Te-doped Cu₂OSeO₃

A skyrmion is a topological stable particle-like object comparable to spin vortex at the nanometre scale. It consists of an about 50 nm large spin rotation which order in a 2 dimensional, typically hexagonal superstructure perpendicular to an applied external magnetic field. Its dynamics has links to flux line vortices as in high temperature superconductors. Cu₂OSeO₃ is a unique case of a multiferroic materials where the skyrmion dynamics could be controlled through the application of an external electric field. The direct control of the skyrmion dynamics through a non-dissipative method would offer technological benefits. Important for technological applications would be a stability range of the skyrmion phase up to room temperature. While room temperature skyrmion materials exist, Cu₂OSeO₃ orders magnetically below 60 K. Our combined small angle neutron scattering and SQUID magnetization measurements did provide direct evidence that the stability range of the skyrmion phase can be extended in Te-doped Cu₂OSeO₃. Furthermore, new aspects about the scaling behavior of the skyrmion and helical length scales are discussed.