Topological defects, such as domain walls and skyrmions, are formed when the symmetry of a magnetic material is disrupted. The manipulation of such objects holds promise for high-performance memory devices. Their direct observation in antiferromagnets is, however, challenging as a consequence of the extremely weak magnetic fields due to uncompensated spins.
Using Scanning NV Magnetometry, the team led by Dr. Aurore Finco (Laboratoire Chrales Coulomb – Université de Montpellier and CNRS) observed for the first time topological line defects in multiferroic antiferromagnets at room temperature. …