Effects of crystal field and momentum-based frustrated exchange interactions on multiorbital square skyrmion lattice
Abstract
Motivated by recent theoretical predictions of a square-shaped skyrmion lattice (S-SkL) in centrosymmetric tetragonal Ce-based magnets [Yan Zha and Satoru Hayami, Phys. Rev. B 111, 165155 (2025)], we perform a comprehensive theoretical investigation into the role of multiorbital effects and momentum-based frustrated exchange interactions in stabilizing such topologically nontrivial magnetic textures. By employing self-consistent mean-field calculations over a broad range of model parameters, we demonstrate that the cooperative interplay among interorbital coupling, frustrated exchange interactions at higher-harmonic wave vectors, and crystal-field-induced anisotropy is crucial for the stabilization of the S-SkL. Furthermore, the competition between the easy-plane intraorbital anisotropy and the easy-axis interorbital anisotropy leads to a significant enhancement of the S-SkL stability region. We also identify a rich variety of multi-$Q$ states, including a topologically nontrivial S-SkL state with a slight breaking of fourfold rotational symmetry (S-SkL$'$), magnetic bubble lattices (MBLs), and double-$Q$ phases with a local/net scalar chirality. Our findings elucidate the microscopic mechanism responsible for the emergence of S-SkLs in prototypical Ce-based magnets and provide a route toward realizing skyrmion lattices in a broader class of $f$-electron materials beyond conventional Gd- and Eu-based systems lacking orbital angular momentum.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Rare-earth and actinide compounds
Magnetic Properties of Alloys
Magnetic properties of thin films
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical review. B./Physical review. B
- Publisher
- American Physical Society (APS)
- Volume
- 113
- Issue
- 17
- Publication date
- 23 April 2026
- Language
- EN