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 interest. In β-Mn-type Co–Zn–Mn alloys, chiral magnetic skyrmions emerge above room temperature, providing a unique system for studying the skyrmion 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 quasihydrostatic pressure can expand the skyrmion phase in the T–H phase diagram of single-crystalline Co₈Zn₈Mn₄. At ambient pressure, signatures of skyrmions are seen within T ∼ 302 K–308 K and H ∼ 50 Oe–100 Oe (1 Oe = 79.5775 A⋅m⁻¹). Applying a moderate pressure of 6 kbar (1 bar = 10⁵ Pa) extends this range to T ∼ 300 K–310 K and H ∼ 50 Oe–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 Co₈Zn₈Mn₄ 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.