Chiral magnets like MnSi form lattices of skyrmions, i.e., magnetic whirls, which react sensitively to small electric currents $j$ above a critical current density $j_c$. The interplay of these currents with tiny gradients of either the magnetic field or the temperature can induce a rotation of the magnetic pattern for $j>j_c$. Either a rotation by a finite angle of up to ${15}^{\circ }$ or—for larger gradients—a continuous rotation with a finite angular velocity is induced. We use Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equations extended by extra damping terms in combination with a phenomenological treatment of pinning forces to develop a theory of the relevant rotational torques. Experimental neutron scattering data on the angular distribution of skyrmion lattices suggest that continuously rotating domains are easy to obtain in the presence of remarkably small currents and temperature gradients.

• Received 25 April 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.86.054432