Polarized neutron scattering experiments have demonstrated that Dy/Y multilayer structures possess a coherent spin helix with a preferable chirality induced by the magnetic field. The average chirality, being proportional to the difference in the left- and right-handed helix population numbers, is measured as a polarization-dependent asymmetric part of the magnetic neutron scattering. The magnetic field applied in the plane of the sample upon cooling below TN is able to repopulate the otherwise equal population numbers for the left- and right-handed helixes. The experimental results strongly indicate that the chirality is caused by Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction due to the lack of the symmetry inversion on the interfaces.

Original languageEnglish
Article number197203
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume100
Issue number19
DOIs
StatePublished - 16 May 2008

    Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)

ID: 86430103