Discrete change in magnetization by chiral soliton lattice formation in the chiral magnet Cr_1/3NbS₂

In the chiral magnet Cr_1/3NbS₂, discrete changes in the magnetization (M) caused by the formation of a chiral soliton lattice (CSL) were observed in magnetization curve and measurements using a single crystal of submillimeter thickness. When M is measured with a minimal increment of the magnetic field H, 0.15 Oe, discrete changes in M are observed in the H region that exhibits definite magnetic hysteresis. In particular, enormous discrete changes in M are observed as H decreases from the field above the saturation field, while fine M steps are also found in the intermediate H range independently of the sweeping direction of the field. The former is considered as a type of enormous Barkhausen effect associated with the CSL formation. The latter originates from the change in soliton number during the CSL formation. (author)