Competition between uniform ferromagnetism and finite-wave-vector instabilities in square-lattice skyrmion crystals

S. Hayami

doi:10.5488/cmp.29.33705

Authors

S. Hayami Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9186-6958

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5488/cmp.29.33705

Keywords:

skyrmion crystal, square lattice, centrosymmetric magnets, ferromagnetic interaction, magnetic anisotropy, high-harmonic wave-vector interaction

Abstract

We investigate square-lattice skyrmion crystal states in a centrosymmetric spin model with momentum-dependent magnetic interactions, including a uniform ferromagnetic interaction, easy-axis anisotropic interactions at two orthogonal finite wave vectors, higher-harmonic wave-vector interactions, and an external magnetic field. Using simulated annealing calculations, we determine the low-temperature magnetic phase diagram as functions of magnetic field and uniform ferromagnetic interaction strength. We find that the skyrmion crystal phase is stabilized at intermediate fields when the uniform ferromagnetic interaction is weak, exhibiting a noncoplanar double-Q spin texture, finite scalar spin chirality, and higher-harmonic components. Increasing the uniform ferromagnetic interaction suppresses and eventually eliminates the skyrmion crystal phase through direct first-order transitions to the fully polarized state, whereas its weakening expands the skyrmion stability region and stabilizes a single-Q conical spiral phase at high fields. These results clarify the mechanisms governing the square-lattice skyrmion formation in centrosymmetric magnets.

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