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Skyrmions represent topologically stable field configurations with particle-like properties. We use neutron scattering to observe the spontaneous formation of a two-dimensional lattice of skyrmion lines, a type of magnetic vortices, in transition metal compounds and doped semiconductors with a non-centrosymmetric crystal structure. The skyrmion lattice stabilizes at the border between paramagnetism and long-range helimagnetic order perpendicular to a small applied magnetic field - regardless of the direction of the magnetic field relative to the atomic lattice. Our studies experimentally establish magnetic materials lacking inversion symmetry as an arena for new forms of crystalline order composed of topologically stable spin states. work in collaboration with: S. Mühlbauer, A. Neubauer, F. Jonietz, W. Münzer, C. Franz, T. Adams, A. Bauer, F. Birkelbach, R. Georgii, B. Pedersen, P. Böni, M. Schmidt, Y. Grin, B. Binz, A. Rosch |
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