Topological magnetism in diluted artificial adatom lattices

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to create and control topological magnetic textures like skyrmions in diluted adatom lattices on Nb surfaces, revealing new magnetic phases and potential for topological superconductivity and spintronics.

Contribution

It introduces a bottom-up approach to engineer topological magnetic textures in adatom lattices, highlighting the role of substrate-mediated interactions and the potential interplay with superconductivity.

Findings

Formation of skyrmions and anti-skyrmions in adatom lattices

Tunable magnetic phases via adatom spacing

Insights into topological magnetism and superconductivity interplay

Abstract

The ability to control matter at the atomic scale has revolutionized our understanding of the physical world, opening doors to unprecedented technological advancements. Quantum technology, which harnesses the unique principles of quantum mechanics, enables us to construct and manipulate atomic structures with extraordinary precision. Here, we propose a bottom-up approach to create topological magnetic textures in diluted adatom lattices on the Nb(110) surface. By fine-tuning adatom spacing, previously inaccessible magnetic phases can emerge. Our findings reveal that interactions between magnetic adatoms, mediated by the Nb substrate, foster the formation of unique topological spin textures, such as skyrmions and anti-skyrmions, both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic. Since Nb can be superconducting, our findings present a novel platform with valuable insights into the interplay between topological magnetism and superconductivity, paving the way for broader exploration of topological superconductivity in conjunction with spintronics applications.