Two-dimensional magnetoelectric multiferroics in a MnSTe/In2Se3 heterobilayer with ferroelectrically controllable skyrmions

The magnetoelectric effect and skyrmions are two fundamental phenomena in the field of condensedmatter physics. Here, using first-principles calculations and Monte Carlo simulations, we propose that strong magnetoelectric coupling can be demonstrated in a multiferroic heterobilayer consisting of two-dimensional (2D) MnSTe and ??-In2Se3. As the electric polarization in ferroelectric ??-In2Se3 is switched, the creation and annihilation of the topological magnetic phase can be achieved in this multiferroic heterobilayer, giving rise to the intriguing ferroelectrically controllable skyrmions. This feature is further revealed to be closely related to the physical quantity of D2/|KJ|, which is generally applicable for describing the required conditions of such physics. Moreover, the evaluations of their topological magnetic phases with temperature are systematically discussed. These insights not only greatly enrich the research on 2D magnetoelectric multiferroics, but also pave a promising avenue to realize new skyrmionic device concepts.

Automated summary

In this study, the strong magnetoelectric coupling in a multiferroic heterobilayer composed of 2D MnSTe and ??-In2Se3 is proposed through first-principles calculations and Monte Carlo simulations. By switching the electric polarization in ferroelectric ??-In2Se3, the creation and annihilation of topological magnetic phases can be achieved in this system, resulting in ferroelectrically controllable skyrmions. This feature is closely related to a physical quantity D2/|KJ|, which is applicable for describing the required conditions for such physics. Furthermore, the temperature-dependent behavior of the topological magnetic phases is systematically discussed. This study not only enriches the research on 2D magnetoelectric multiferroics but also opens up a promising avenue for realizing new skyrmionic device concepts.