High-temperature magnetic skyrmions in BiCrX3 (X = Se and Te) monolayers

Abstract

Two-dimensional magnetic van der Waals materials provide a fertile platform for the design and control of topological spin textures such as skyrmions. However, despite studies reporting skyrmions in many 2D magnetic systems, those of the hosting van der Waals materials remain limited. Here, via first-principles calculations and Monte Carlo simulations, we propose BiCrX₃ as a new family of materials for hosting skyrmions. Due to the large SOC of the X atom and intrinsic inversion asymmetry, an inherent large DMI occurs in all systems, enabling intriguing Néel-type skyrmions. Furthermore, upon applying a moderate magnetic field, isolated skyrmions and skyrmion lattices emerge in our systems, and are robust within a relatively wide temperature range.