Multiple Topological Magnetism in van der Waals Heterostructure of MnTe2/ZrS2

Nano Lett. 2023 Jan 11;23(1):312-318. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c04388. Epub 2022 Dec 28.

Abstract

Topological magnetism in low-dimensional systems is of fundamental and practical importance in condensed-matter physics and material science. Here, using first-principles and Monte Carlo simulations, we present that multiple topological magnetism (i.e., skyrmion and bimeron) can survive in van der Waals heterostructure MnTe2/ZrS2. Arising from interlayer coupling, MnTe2/ZrS2 can harbor a large Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. This, combined with exchange interaction, yields an intriguing skyrmion phase under a tiny magnetic field of 75 mT. Meanwhile, upon harnessing a small electric field, magnetic bimeron can be observed in MnTe2/ZrS2, suggesting the existence of multiple topological magnetism. Through interlayer sliding, both topological magnetisms can be switched on-off. In addition, the impacts of d and Keff on these spin textures are revealed, and a dimensionless parameter κ is utilized to describe their joint effect. These explored phenomena and insights not only are useful for fundamental research in topological magnetism but also enable novel applications in nanodevices.

Keywords: Dzyalohinskii-Moriya interaction; bimeron; first-principles; heterostructure; skyrmion.