Design of Skyrmion Bags with Tunable Topology in Symmetry-Broken 2D Lattices

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new design principle for creating skyrmion bags with tunable topologies in symmetry-broken 2D ferromagnetic lattices, validated by first-principles calculations and simulations, with potential for spintronic applications.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel mechanism for engineering high-order topological skyrmion states in 2D materials, combining model analysis and first-principles validation.

Findings

Existence of field-free skyrmion bags in monolayer CrInTe2.

Weak magnetic fields induce transition to thermally stable skyrmioniums.

Rich variety of high-order topological spin states stabilized by interplay of interactions.

Abstract

Magnetic skyrmion bags, as high-order topological swirling spin textures, offer rich fundamental physics and distinct advantages for spintronic applications; however, their realization remains a formidable challenge, especially in two-dimensional (2D) systems. Here, through model analysis, we propose a novel design principle for engineering skyrmion bags with tunable topology in symmetry-broken 2D ferromagnetic lattices. The physics correlates to the delicate interplay of isotropic exchange interaction, Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction and magnetic anisotropy, which can stabilize a rich variety of high-order topological spin states as well as the intriguing skyrmionium with zero topological charge. We further validate this mechanism in monolayer CrInTe2 using first-principles calculations and atomistic spin model simulations, revealing the existence of field-free skyrmion bags. Furthermore, we find that a weak magnetic field triggers a transition to skyrmioniums that exhibit remarkable thermal stability up to 240 K. Our results provide a compelling platform for exploring high-order topological magnetism.