Two-Dimensional Rare-Earth-Based Half-Metals with Topological Bimerons.

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Spintronics

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) magnets with topological spin textures are crucial for next-generation spintronic devices.
• Existing 2D magnets primarily involve transition metals and are often semiconductors or metals, limiting their application scope.

Purpose of the Study:

• To predict and investigate novel 2D rare-earth-based magnetic materials.
• To explore the potential of these materials for spintronic applications by examining their spin polarization and topological spin textures.

Main Methods:

• First-principles calculations were employed to predict the properties of GdA₂N₄ monolayers.
• Analysis focused on spin polarization, magnetic anisotropy, and the emergence of topological spin textures like bimeron clusters.

Main Results:

• Prediction of two-dimensional rare-earth-based half-metallic GdA₂N₄ (A = Ge, Sn) monolayers with 100% spin polarization.
• Observation of spontaneous topological spin textures (bimeron clusters) driven by magnetic frustration and easy-plane anisotropy.
• Demonstration of efficient tuning of bimeron clusters via biaxial strain and manipulation by spin-polarized current.

Conclusions:

• Rare-earth-based 2D half-metallic GdA₂N₄ monolayers offer a new platform for spintronics.
• The controllable topological spin textures in these materials are highly promising for developing advanced spintronic devices.