Unveiling Three-Dimensional Skyrmion Transitions Through Vortices and Monopoles

Magnetic skyrmions represent vortex-like spin configurations that provide a robust platform for next-generation spintronic technologies. Although they are often treated as two-dimensional objects with integer topological charge, their extension into three-dimensional strings realizes other composite structures with unique device functionalities that transcend planar frameworks. Unfortunately, a lack of bulk probes has failed to realize such higher-dimensional topological structures and their implementations. Here, we report the first experimental visualization of three-dimensional topological Q = 0 skyrmion structures using neutron scattering tomography techniques across the equilibrium phase of a Co 8 Zn 8 Mn 4 sample. Disordered skyrmion states reveal metastable skyrmioniums and composite topological objects novel to bulk systems. Vortex-antivortex lattices mediate changes in topology, with unprecedented transition pathways via a coupling of merons and monopoles. The present realization of bulk Q = 0 quasiparticles and meron-mediated dynamics paves the way for higher-dimensional spintronic frameworks through multi-bit encoding architectures, unidirectional transport schemes, and monopole-mediated controls.