Topological Spin Textures via Twist Engineering

Explore the fascinating world of topological spin textures in twisted van der Waals magnets through this 36-minute lecture. Delve into the potential of twist engineering to create magnetic skyrmions and vortex-type textures called merons. Begin by examining the twist engineering of magnetic skyrmions in twisted easy-axis magnets, building upon previous research. Then, expand the twist engineering approach to easy-plane magnetic systems, focusing on achieving vortex-type topological spin textures, specifically merons. Discover how an atomistic spin model for twisted bilayer magnets with easy-plane anisotropy and stacking-dependent interlayer magnetism can stabilize merons in a vortex-antivortex pair configuration. Learn how switching the interlayer exchange coupling from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic through the moiré pattern protects these pairs from annihilation by localizing the vortex cores, overcoming the typical instability caused by core attraction and pair annihilation.