A tiny twist creates giant magnetic skyrmions in 2D crystals
AI Summary: Researchers have discovered that in twisted antiferromagnetic layers, magnetic spin patterns can extend into large topological structures, challenging the conventional understanding that magnetic order is confined to the scale of the moiré pattern. Using scanning nitrogen-vacancy magnetometry on twisted double bilayer chromium triiodide (CrI3), the team observed magnetic textures reaching up to 300 nm, significantly larger than the moiré unit cell. The study reveals a counterintuitive relationship between twist angle and magnetic texture size, indicating that magnetism arises from a complex interplay of competing forces rather than merely mirroring the moiré pattern. These findings suggest potential applications in low-power spintronic devices, as the large, stable Néel-type skyrmions formed could facilitate energy-efficient information technologies.