Magnetic solitons – topologically protected chiral spin structures with particle-like properties such as skyrmions or bimerons – have received considerable attention due to their rich physics and promising applications for future spintronic devices [1]. The main focus of the community has been so far on magnetic solitons in bulk [2,3], ultrathin films [4,5], and multilayers [6,7].

Between 2016 and 2017, the first experimental confirmation of magnetism in atomically thin materials was reported [8,9,10], opening up new opportunities for exploring novel magnetic phenomena in reduced dimensionality. This is a true breakthrough because, according to the Mermin–Wagner theorem, magnetism is not expected in the 2D limit at finite temperature. Therefore, the theory of magnetism in 2D [11,12] is very different from conventional 3D magnets. Three years later, magnetic skyrmions were experimentally observed in 2D van der Waals (vdW) crystals, pushing soliton technology to the single-layer limit [13,14,15].

Stabilizing magnetic solitons in 2D vdW magnets offers several potential advantages. These include avoiding pinning by defects (thanks to high-quality vdW interfaces), the possibility of intrinsic Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) within a single layer, and easy control of magnetism via external stimuli such as strain [16],  proximity [17], electric fields [18], twist [19], or light [20,21]. Due to noncollinear spin textures, it has recently been demonstrated that all-electrical skyrmion detection is possible in tunnel junctions based on 2D magnets [22]. The family of 2D vdW magnets is still rapidly growing, with many more new materials awaiting discovery. The study of magnetic solitons in 2D magnets is still in its infancy stage. This leaves a timely and vast playground for investigating new mechanisms for magnetic soliton generation, transformation, detection, and manipulation in the emerging area of 2D magnets. However, due to the very large number of possible 2D material combinations, there is an urgent need for fundamental understanding and modeling tools to scale up and systematize the search for new smart 2D skyrmionics designs. The European Commission recognized that “The future of the European industry is associated with a strong materials modeling capacity. An efficient modeling approach is needed to shorten the development process of materials-enabled products [23].”

Inspired by these prospects, this workshop will be mainly driven by theory and computational modeling, combined with experimental advancements, to predict various topological spin textures and better understand their formation mechanisms, stability, and manipulation via external stimuli in experimentally feasible 2D van der Waals materials. We anticipate the following key topics (not a restrictive list):

(i) Magnetic interactions: Ab initio- or model-based approaches for calculating various magnetic interaction parameters such as exchange interaction, Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI), anisotropy, Kitaev interaction, or higher-order (multi-spin) exchange interactions will be discussed.

(ii) Spin simulations: Various spin models based on either micromagnetic or atomistic approaches will be addressed. These models can be used to perform spin dynamics (e.g., the LLG equation), Monte Carlo simulations, thermodynamics, geodesic nudged elastic band calculations for energy barriers, transition state theory for skyrmion lifetime, etc.

(iii) Quantum transport: Magnetoresistance effects such as tunnel magnetoresistance, tunnel anisotropic magnetoresistance, noncollinear magnetoresistance, and colossal magnetoresistance in device setups for magnetic detections will be discussed. In addition, spin transfer torque, spin-orbit torque, or orbital torque to switch magnetization will be welcome.  

(iv) Methodology development: We also welcome the development of new tools in ab initio (DFT, real-time TDDFT, GW, DMFT) or spin model-based methods to study electronic structure, magnetism, and quantum transport.

(v) Experimental progress and challenges: Different experimental techniques, such as (Lorentz) TEM, (spin-polarized) STM, magneto-optic Kerr effect microscope, magnetic force microscopy, and XMCD, to visualize and characterize various magnetic structures will be addressed. Moreover, techniques for obtaining high-quality, large-area, atomically thin 2D magnets and heterostructures, such as molecular beam epitaxy and exfoliation, will be discussed.

This workshop aims to bring together researchers in the timely field of 2D materials for skyrmionics to present the latest advancements in overcoming the theoretical limitations discussed above. We will focus on understanding the mechanisms of soliton generation, stability, detection, and manipulation in 2D magnets. These are the fundamental building blocks required to master soliton devices for memory and logic applications. In addition, this workshop facilitates interaction among experts ranging from ab initio methods to atomistic spin models, aiming to explain current experiments and further predict new unconventional 2D magnets.

The deadline for abstract submission, including oral (contributed) and poster contributions, is extended to April 29, 2025.

Conference location: CEMES-CNRS, 29 Rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse, France

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