Ferroelectric control of magnetic skyrmions in two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures

Magnetic skyrmions are nanoscale spin textures in magnetic systems with strong Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI). Recently, magnetic skyrmions have been observed in a two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals ferromagnetic materials, such as Fe₃GeTe₂, which is promising for atomic-scale spintronic devices. The electric control of skyrmions in these materials is an important functionality for the potential application. Here, we predict that the DMI and the related skyrmion behaviors in a Fe₃GeTe₂ monolayer can be controlled by ferroelectric polarization of an adjacent ferroelectric 2D van der Waals In₂Se₃ monolayer. Based on first-principles density functional theory calculations and micromagnetic modeling, we find that the symmetry breaking induced by the ferroelectric polarization of In₂Se₃ generates a sizable DMI in this 2D van der Waals heterostructure. The magnitude of DMI can be further controlled by switching the ferroelectric polarization, leading to notable changes in the skyrmion formation. The predicted electrically controlled skyrmions can be useful for spintronic devices based on the proposed van der Waals heterostructure.