Abstract
Non-coplanar swirling field textures, or skyrmions, are now widely recognized as objects of both fundamental interest and technological relevance. So far, skyrmions were amply investigated in magnets, where due to the presence of chiral interactions, these topological objects were found to be intrinsically stabilized. Ferroelectrics on the other hand, lacking such chiral interactions, were somewhat left aside in this quest. Here we demonstrate, via the use of a first-principles-based framework, that skyrmionic configuration of polarization can be extrinsically stabilized in ferroelectric nanocomposites. The interplay between the considered confined geometry and the dipolar interaction underlying the ferroelectric phase instability induces skyrmionic configurations. The topological structure of the obtained electrical skyrmion can be mapped onto the topology of domain-wall junctions. Furthermore, the stabilized electrical skyrmion can be as small as a few nanometers, thus revealing prospective skyrmion-based applications of ferroelectric nanocomposites.
Highlights
Non-coplanar swirling field textures, or skyrmions, are widely recognized as objects of both fundamental interest and technological relevance
It is unequivocal that such interactions are not a prerequisite for obtaining skyrmionic topological patterns[17], as non-coplanar swirling field structures have been amply predicted and observed in magnets that do not meet the conditions typically deemed necessary[18,19,20]. Recognizing in this lifted restriction a breach for probing skyrmions in ferroelectric materials, we build on the topology of the polarization field in confined geometries and show here, via the use of a first-principles-based technique, that nanoscale structures can readily become the locus of skyrmionic configuration of polarization
Our finding unravels the interplay between geometry and topology in stabilizing extrinsically protected skyrmionic configuration, and brings to the fore the possibilities of extending skyrmion-based devices to ferroelectrics
Summary
Non-coplanar swirling field textures, or skyrmions, are widely recognized as objects of both fundamental interest and technological relevance. It is unequivocal that such interactions are not a prerequisite for obtaining skyrmionic topological patterns[17], as non-coplanar swirling field structures have been amply predicted and observed in magnets that do not meet the conditions typically deemed necessary[18,19,20]. Recognizing in this lifted restriction a breach for probing skyrmions in ferroelectric materials, we build on the topology of the polarization field in confined geometries and show here, via the use of a first-principles-based technique, that nanoscale structures can readily become the locus of skyrmionic configuration of polarization. Our finding unravels the interplay between geometry and topology in stabilizing extrinsically protected skyrmionic configuration, and brings to the fore the possibilities of extending skyrmion-based devices to ferroelectrics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
