Work

Skyrmion-antiskyrmion lattice: A net-zero topological phase in low-symmetry frustrated chiral magnets

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We report the discovery of a thermodynamically stable skyrmion-antiskyrmion lattice in two-dimensional heterostructures, a novel state exhibiting a net-zero global topological charge owing to an equal population of skyrmions and antiskyrmions. This surprising coexistence of oppositely charged solitons remarkably circumvents their anticipated annihilation. We demonstrate the formation and evolution of this phase in Fe films on ${C}_{1v}$-symmetric (110) surfaces of GaAs and CdTe semiconductors. Specifically, we reveal a series of magnetic-field-induced phase transitions: cycloidal spin-spiral $\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$ skyrmion-antiskyrmion lattice $\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$ conical spin-spiral $\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$ ferromagnet. The remarkable stability of the net-zero lattice is attributed to symmetry-enforced anisotropic magnetic interactions. Lowering interfacial symmetry to ${C}_{1v}$ thus enables frustrated chiral magnets, uniquely manifesting in thermodynamically stable net-zero topological soliton lattices, as revealed by our findings.

Source: Physical review. B./Physical review. B

DOI: 10.1103/pcj5-gtrg

Authors: Sayan Banik, Ashis K. Nandy

Institutions: National Institute of Science Education and Research, Homi Bhabha National Institute

Language: English

Topic: Magnetic properties of thin films

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, National Institute of Science Education and Research

Award: G349834933