Morphogenesis of spin cycloids in a noncollinear antiferromagnet

Image Credit: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2423298122

A team of researchers led by Ramamoorthy Ramesh (UC Berkley / Rice) has uncovered new insights into the formation of complex spin textures in noncollinear antiferromagnets. In their recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the team reports the emergence of labyrinthine spin cycloids, magnetic structures characterized by arrays of isolated and hybrid topological defects.

The experimental breakthrough was enabled by nanoscale magnetic imaging with the Qnami ProteusQ™ quantum microscope which allowed to directly reveal the intricate spin morphologies.

The discovery highlights how spin cycloids self-organize through competing interactions, opening new avenues for understanding topological defect dynamics and the broader principles of pattern formation in correlated electron systems. 

Read more: S.K. Ojha,P. Pal,S. Prokhorenko,S. Husain,M. Ramesh,X. Li,D. Kang,P. Meisenheimer,D.G. Schlom,P. Stevenson,L. Caretta,Y. Nahas,Y. Han,L.W. Martin,L. Bellaiche,C. Eom, & R. Ramesh, Morphogenesis of spin cycloids in a noncollinear antiferromagnet, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 122 (17) e2423298122, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2423298122 (2025).

See more applications

Representation of the experimental setup to study the effect of superconductivity on spin waves in YIG thin layers.Spin waves and superconductivity

Spin waves and superconductivity

/
By using wide field NV magnetometry, researchers showed for the first time that superconductors can be used to manipulate spin waves.
Enhancing the Stability of NV Centers in Diamond for Quantum Sensing

Enhancing the Stability of NV Centers in Diamond for Quantum Sensing

John Morton’s team used Qnami Foundry products to show that an alumina coating stabilizes nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond.
Integration of germanium-vacancy single photon emitters arrays in diamond nanopillars

Integration of germanium-vacancy single photon emitters arrays in diamond nanopillars

Researchers led by Jacopo Forneris have demonstrated the fabrication of germanium-vacancy (GeV) color center arrays in diamond nanopillars, showcasing the Quantum Foundry’s expertise in nanopatterning for quantum photonics.

See all applications

Want to know more?

Talk to us - our Application Scientist is happy to talk with you about what you can do with our Scanning NV Magnetometer ProteusQ.
Email Peter
We are using cookies and analytics tools to give you the best digital experience.
AcceptPrivacy Settings

GDPR

  • Cookie Consent

Cookie Consent

We are using cookies and analytics tools to give you the best digital experience.  Find more information and details about how to switch them off in our Terms of Website Use and Privacy Policy.