Static three-dimensional topological solitons in fluid chiral ferromagnets and colloids

Paul J. Ackerman & Ivan I. Smalyukh

Three-dimensional (3D) topological solitons are continuous but topologically nontrivial field configurations localized in 3D space and embedded in a uniform far-field background, that behave like particles and cannot be transformed to a uniform state through smooth deformations. Many topologically nontrivial 3D solitonic fields have been proposed. Yet, according to the Hobart–Derrick theorem, physical systems cannot host them, except for nonlinear theories with higher-order derivatives such as the Skyrme–Faddeev model. Experimental discovery of such solitons is hindered by the need for spatial imaging of the 3D fields, which is difficult in high-energy physics and cosmology. Here we experimentally realize and numerically model stationary topological solitons in a fluid chiral ferromagnet formed by colloidal dispersions of magnetic nanoplates. Such solitons have closed-loop preimages—3D regions with a single orientation of the magnetization field. We discuss localized structures with different linking of preimages quantified by topological Hopf invariants. The chirality is found to help in overcoming the constraints of the Hobart–Derrick theorem, like in two-dimensional ferromagnetic solitons, dubbed ‘baby skyrmions’. Our experimental platform may lead to solitonic condensed matter phases and technological applications.

DOI