Oral: Effects of Gd-doping on the low-temperature properties of skyrmion candidate Eu_1-xGd_xAl

In recent years EuAl₄ has garnered intense interest due to the debated existence of two distinct low-temperature skyrmion lattices. In our magnetic measurements we have observed distinct magnetic phases within the proposed skyrmion pockets that have been reported in small angle neutron scattering but not confirmed with magnetic imaging. We have also observed the known charge density wave (CDW) phase transition at approximately 144 K with heat capacity measurements.

Using a Quantum Design MPMS3, we explored the evolution of these two magnetic phases as a function of Gd-doping, up to approximately 10-15% Gd concentration. A noticeable shift in the critical DC magnetic field at which those two magnetic phases manifest and dissipate can be seen as the percentage of Gd dopant increases. We also report a distinct difference in the response of the proposed rhombic skyrmion lattice at higher excitation frequencies in the AC Susceptibility as compared to the response of the proposed square skyrmion lattice at frequencies below 500 Hz.

Using heat capacity measurements conducted in a Quantum Design PPMS, we explored the effects on the CDW transition temperature T_c as a function of Gd concentration and will report the results.