Precursor state of skyrmions in MnSi: a heat capacity study

The magnetic phase diagram of MnSi based on the detailed magneto‐heat capacity study is presented. It shows the A‐phase, a precursor to the formation of stable skyrmion lattice, along with the intermediate, helical, conical, ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases. The field isotherms of specific heat in and around the transition temperature reveal the different magnetic modulations. The local minima represent the relatively low entropy state due to the formation of A‐phase as a precursor to the stable skyrmion lattice. The field‐induced second‐order phase transition is observed by melting the intermediate phase. The region of existence of first‐order phase transition is found to be, effectively, from helical to the intermediate phase. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)