Computational Search for Ultrasmall and Fast Skyrmions in the Inverse Heusler Family

Abstract

Skyrmions are magnetic excitations that are potentially ultrasmall and topologically protected, thus making them interesting for high-density all-electronic ultrafast storage applications. While recent experiments have confirmed the existence of various types of skyrmions, their typical sizes are much larger than traditional domain walls, except at very low temperature. In this article, we explore the optimal material parameters for hosting ultrasmall, fast, and room temperature stable, isolated Neel (hedgehog) skyrmions. As concrete examples, we explore potential candidates from the inverse Heusler family. Using first-principles calculations of structural and magnetic properties, we identify several promising ferrimagnetic inverse Heusler half-metal/near half-metals and analyze their phase space for size and metastability.