Effective spin model in momentum space: Toward a systematic understanding of multiple-Q instability by momentum-resolved anisotropic exchange interactions

Multiple -Q magnetic states, such as a skyrmion crystal, become a source of unusual transport phenomena and dynamics. Recent theoretical and experimental studies clarified that such multiple -Q states ubiquitously appear under different crystal structures in metals and insulators. Toward a systematic understanding of the formation of the multiple -Q states in various crystal systems, in this theoretical study we present a low-energy effective spin model with anisotropic exchange interactions in momentum space. We summarize symmetry rules for nonzero symmetric and antisymmetric anisotropic exchange interactions in momentum space, which are regarded as an extension of Moriya's rule. According to the rules, we construct the effective spin model for tetragonal, hexagonal, and trigonal magnets with primitive-lattice and multisublattice structures based on the symmetry of the crystal and wave vector. Furthermore, we describe the microscopic origin of the effective anisotropic exchange interactions in itinerant magnets by perturbatively analyzing a multiband periodic Anderson model with the spin-orbit coupling. We apply the effective spin model to an itinerant magnet in a P6/mmm crystal, and we find various multiple -Q states with a spin scalar chirality in the ground state. Our results provide a foundation of constructing effective phenomenological spin models for any crystal systems hosting the multiple -Q states, which will stimulate further exploration of exotic multiple -Q states in materials with the spin-orbit coupling.

Automated summary

This theoretical study presents a low-energy effective spin model to understand the formation of multiple-Q states in different crystal systems. The authors summarize symmetry rules for anisotropic exchange interactions in momentum space and describe the microscopic origin of these interactions in itinerant magnets. They apply the effective spin model to a specific crystal system and find various multiple-Q states.