Quantum Skyrmions in Frustrated Ferromagnets

Abstract

We develop a quantum theory of magnetic skyrmions and antiskyrmions in a spin-1/2 Heisenberg magnet with frustrating next-nearest-neighbor interactions. Using exact diagonalization we show numerically that a quantum skyrmion exists as a stable many-magnon bound state and investigate its quantum numbers. We then derive a phenomenological Schrödinger equation for the quantum skyrmion and its internal degrees of freedom. We find that quantum skyrmions have highly unusual properties. Their bandwidth is exponentially small and arises from tunneling processes between skyrmion and antiskyrmion. The band structure changes both qualitatively and quantitatively when a single spin is added or removed from the quantum skyrmion, reflecting a locking of angular momentum and spin quantum numbers characteristic for skyrmions. Additionally, while for weak forces the quantum skyrmion is accelerated parallel to the force, it moves in a perpendicular direction for stronger fields.