Grain boundary stabilization in polar skyrmion lattices via quasiparticle-based mechanism
Phys. Rev. B 112, 125421 – Published 22 September, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/xk7g-v1c7
Abstract
Polar skyrmions and skyrmion lattices (SkX) in ferroelectrics have attracted much attention due to their novel and unique physical properties as quasiparticles. By analogy with conventional lattice crystals, the understanding of lattice defects, particularly grain boundaries, is crucial for elucidation of the unique lattice properties hidden in the polar SkX. The fundamental structure of grain boundaries in polar SkX, however, still remains undeveloped. Here, we show that the grain boundaries in polar SkX not only have a unique lattice structure with giant skyrmion deformation, but also “quasiparticle-based” stabilization in which local lattice mismatch is maintained without relaxation. Our phase-field simulations reveal that skyrmion grain boundaries undergo structural changes accompanied by skyrmion deformation depending on the electric field and temperature conditions. Furthermore, a transition of the stabilization mechanisms occurs, where relaxation due to the movement of skyrmions is replaced by skyrmion deformation, and local giant lattice mismatch is maintained. Our findings provide unique insights into the physical properties and formation processes of polar skyrmion lattices.