Gao, N. Je, S. -G. Im, M. -Y. Choi, J. W. Yang, M. Li, Q. Wang, T. Y. Lee, S. Han, H. -S. Lee, K. -S. Chao, W. Hwang, C. Li, J. Qiu, Z. Q. 2024-01-19T18:32:40Z 2024-01-19T18:32:40Z 2021-09-05 2019-12-06 2041-1723 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/119206 Merons which are topologically equivalent to one-half of skyrmions can exist only in pairs or groups in two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic (FM) systems. The recent discovery of meron lattice in chiral magnet Co8Zn9Mn3 raises the immediate challenging question that whether a single meron pair, which is the most fundamental topological structure in any 2D meron systems, can be created and stabilized in a continuous FM film? Utilizing winding number conservation, we develop a new method to create and stabilize a single pair of merons in a continuous Py film by local vortex imprinting from a Co disk. By observing the created meron pair directly within a magnetic field, we determine its topological structure unambiguously and explore the topological effect in its creation and annihilation processes. Our work opens a pathway towards developing and controlling topological structures in general magnetic systems without the restriction of perpendicular anisotropy and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. English NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP SKYRMION LATTICE ROOM-TEMPERATURE STATES CORE MICROSCOPY DYNAMICS Creation and annihilation of topological meron pairs in in-plane magnetized films Article 10.1038/s41467-019-13642-z 1 NATURE COMMUNICATIONS, v.10 NATURE COMMUNICATIONS 10 scie scopus 000502082600001 2-s2.0-85076291831 Multidisciplinary Sciences Science & Technology - Other Topics Article SKYRMION LATTICE ROOM-TEMPERATURE STATES CORE MICROSCOPY DYNAMICS topological spin structures