Mapping skyrmion stability in uniaxial lacunar spinel magnets from first principles

Abstract

The development of bulk materials that stabilize magnetic skyrmions over a wide range of temperatures is instrumental to the development of spintronic devices based on these phases. Using electronic structure calculations, Monte Carlo simulations, and thermodynamic sensitivity analysis, the authors relate the thermal stability of skyrmions in Ga$M$${}_{4}$$X$${}_{8}$ lacunar spinels to the crystal symmetry, and conclude that thermally robust skyrmions may be expected in a wide range of materials with C${}_{n\phantom{\rule{0}{0ex}}v}$, D${}_{2d}$, or S${}_{4}$ symmetry and low magnetocrystalline anisotropy.