Imaging the coupling between itinerant electrons and localised moments in the centrosymmetric skyrmion magnet GdRu2Si2

Abstract

GdRu2Si2 can host magnetic skyrmions, however, it does not have inversion symmetry breaking, a feature usually assumed necessary for skyrmion formation. Using scanning tunnelling microscopy, the authors visualise the double-Q structure in the itinerant electrons that mediate the skyrmion formation.