The Bloch point 3D topological charge induced by the magnetostatic interaction

Abstract

Abstract A hedgehog or Bloch point is a point-like 3D magnetization configuration in a ferromagnet. Regardless of widely spread treatment of a Bloch point as a topological defect, its 3D topological charge has never been calculated. Here, applying the concepts of the emergent magnetic field and Dirac string, we calculate the 3D topological charge (Hopf index) of a Bloch point and show that due to the magnetostatic energy contribution it has a finite, non-integer value. Thus, Bloch points form a new class of hopfions—3D topological magnetization configurations. The calculated Bloch point non-zero gyrovector leads to important dynamical consequences such as the appearance of topological Hall effect.