Pressure tunable magnetic skyrmion phase in Co8Zn8Mn4 single crystals

In a magnetic skyrmion phase, magnetic moments form vortex-like topological textures which are of both fundamental and industrial interests. In β-Mn-type Co-Zn-Mn alloys, chrial magnetic skyrmions emerge above room temperature, providing a unique system for studying the skrymion physics and exploring spintronics applications. However, the magnetic skyrmion phase is typically confined in a narrow and limited temperature (T) and magnetic field (H) range. Here, we demonstrate that hydrostatic pressure can expand the skyrmion phase in the T-H phase diagram of single-crystalline Co_8Zn_8Mn_4. At ambient pressure, signatures of skyrmions are seen within T∼302-308 K and H∼50-100 Oe. Applying a moderate pressure of 6 kbar extends this range to T∼300-310 K and H∼50-150 Oe. However, further escalation of pressure to 10 kbar results in a slight contraction of the skyrmion phase. These findings underscore the sensitivity of the skyrmion phase in Co_8Zn_8Mn_4 to external pressures, and hint at the potential of strain engineering, particularly in β-Mn-type Co-Zn-Mn thin films, as a promising avenue to customize the skyrmion phase.