Emergence of skyrmionium in a two-dimensional CrGe(Se,Te)3 Janus monolayer

Abstract

Utilization of van der Waals magnetic materials as the host of topologically protected skyrmionic and other complex spin textures has been drawing increasing attention. Here, using first-principles-based calculations, we predict a new stable magnetic ${\mathrm{CrGe}(\mathrm{Se},\mathrm{Te})}_{3}$ Janus monolayer with a strong Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI), due to the breaking of inversion symmetry. Consequently, nanometric skyrmions (that carry a topological charge of $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1$) and skyrmionium states (with a zero topological charge) can spontaneously form in the absence of magnetic field. We further unveil a subtle competition between DMI and frustration as key for stabilizing skyrmioniums.