Single-crystal neutron scattering of an intermetallic skyrmion lattice candidate

Current data storage technologies are expected to reach their fundamental limits before the end of this decade. Newer technologies are necessary, and much promise is shown by memories based on exotic magnets. One such memory technology is based on magnetic skyrmions, which are stable nanoscale swirls of magnetic moment that can be controlled by small electrical currents. Only a few dozen materials hosting skyrmions are known, and here we intend to expand this list. We have found that an intermetallic compound of tin and a lanthanide metal may host magnetic skyrmions, and to conclusively determine that, we propose to do single-crystal neutron scattering measurements at ISIS WISH, and determine the magnetic structure of the material.