Computational search for ultrasmall and fast skyrmions in the Inverse Heusler family

TL;DR

This study uses first-principles calculations to identify inverse Heusler materials capable of hosting ultrasmall, fast, and room-temperature stable skyrmions, advancing potential high-density storage technologies.

Contribution

It introduces a computational approach to find inverse Heusler compounds suitable for ultrasmall, fast, and thermally stable skyrmions, which was not previously demonstrated.

Findings

Identified promising inverse Heusler compounds with potential for ultrasmall skyrmions.

Analyzed phase space for skyrmion size and metastability in these materials.

Provided insights into material parameters conducive to room-temperature skyrmion stability.

Abstract

Skyrmions are magnetic excitations that are potentially ultrasmall and topologically protected, making them interesting for high-density all-electronic ultrafast storage applications. While recent experiments have confirmed the existence of various types of skyrmions, their typical sizes are much larger than traditional domain walls, except at very low temperature. In this work, we explore the optimal material parameters for hosting ultra-small, fast, and room temperature stable skyrmions. As concrete examples, we explore potential candidates from the inverse Heusler family. Using first-principles calculations of structural and magnetic properties, we identify several promising ferrimagnetic inverse Heusler half-metal/near half-metals and analyze their phase space for size and metastability.