Bloch-type magnetic skyrmions in two-dimensional lattices†

Abstract

Magnetic skyrmions in two-dimensional lattices are a prominent topic of condensed matter physics and materials science. Current research efforts in this field are exclusively constrained to Néel-type and antiskyrmions, while Bloch-type magnetic skyrmions are rarely explored. Here, we report the discovery of Bloch-type magnetic skyrmions in a two-dimensional lattice of MnInP₂Te₆, using first-principles calculations and Monte-Carlo simulations. Arising from the joint effect of broken inversion symmetry and strong spin–orbit coupling, monolayer MnInP₂Te₆ presents large Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. This, along with ferromagnetic exchange interaction and out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy, gives rise to skyrmion physics in monolayer MnInP₂Te₆, in the absence of a magnetic field. Remarkably, different from all previous works on two-dimensional lattices, the resultant magnetic skyrmions feature Bloch-type magnetism, which is protected by D₃ symmetry. Furthermore, Bloch-type magnetic bimerons are also identified in monolayer MnTlP₂Te₆. The phase diagrams of these Bloch-type topological magnetisms under a magnetic field, temperature and strain are mapped out. Our results greatly enrich the research on magnetic skyrmions in two-dimensional lattices.