Quantized movement of magnetic skyrmions in moiré multiferroic heterostructures
Wei Sun, Wenxuan Wang, Changhong Yang, Xiaoning Li, Hang Li, Shifeng Huang, Zhenxiang Cheng
Abstract
Moir\'e superlattices made with van der Waals layers are an excellent platform for exploring a wide range of exotic and important physical phenomena. In this study, we used first-principles calculations and atomistic spin dynamics simulations to design a two-dimensional van der Waals $\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}/\mathrm{CuIn}{\mathrm{P}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{6}$ multiferroic moir\'e heterosuperlattice with tunable skyrmions through magnetoelectric coupling. The inherent lattice mismatch between the two monolayers of $\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ and $\mathrm{CuIn}{\mathrm{P}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{6}$ creates incommensurate moir\'e patterns, along with modulated magnetic anisotropy and emerging magnetic skyrmions in $\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$. The magnetic skyrmion in $\mathrm{Mn}{\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ is strongly influenced by magnetoelectric coupling and can be tuned by the ferroelectric polarization of $\mathrm{CuIn}{\mathrm{P}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{6}$. Furthermore, these magnetic skyrmions can be controlled by a pulsed current to move or freeze within the moir\'e period under different ferroelectric polarization states of the $\mathrm{CuIn}{\mathrm{P}}_{2}{\mathrm{S}}_{6}$ layer. Our work showcases a two-dimensional van der Waals moir\'e heterosuperlattice with magnetoelectrically tuned magnetic skyrmions, which establishes a foundation for designing future spintronic devices.