Creation and manipulation of magnetic skyrmions in 2D van der Waals magnets

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically stable swirling spin textures, usually with nanoscale diameters. It has attracted tremendous research interest due to the rich new physics of chiral interactions between the atomic spins, as well as the intriguing potential application in non-volatile data storage and spin-logic devices. In recent years, the skyrmion physics and materials have been enriched significantly due to the rise of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) magnets. In this paper, we review the recent research advances of magnetic skyrmions in the van der Waals magnetic material systems. Firstly, we classify the physical mechanisms that induce the magnetic skyrmions in 2D materials and their heterostructures. Then, we discuss the specific properties of three representative material systems, Fe₃GeTe₂, Fe₃GaTe₂, and CrTe_x. In the third section, we introduce the theoretical strategy and experimental method for skyrmion manipulation in 2D-magnet-based devices. Finally, we summarize the main progress, as well as the challenges and perspectives of future research, particularly the scanning-probe-assisted in situ device investigation method.