Theory of Moire Magnets and Topological Magnons: Applications to Twisted Bilayer CrI3

Abstract: We develop a comprehensive theory of twisted bilayer magnetism. Starting from the first-principles calculations of two-dimensional honeycomb magnet CrI3, we construct the generic spin models that represent a broad class of twisted bilayer magnetic systems. Using Monte-Carlo method, we discover a variety of non-collinear magnetic orders and topological magnons that have been overlooked in the previous theoretical and experimental studies. As a function of the twist angle, the collinear magnetic order undergoes the phase transitions to the non-collinear order and the magnetic domain phase. In the magnetic domain phase, we find that the spatially varying interlayer coupling produces the magnetic skyrmions even in the absence of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions. In addition, we describe the critical phenomena of the magnetic phase transitions by constructing the field theoretical model of the moire magnet. Our continuum model well-explains the nature of the phase transitions observed in the numerical simulations. Finally, we classify the topological properties of the magnon excitations. The magnons in each phases are characterized by the distinct mass gaps with different physical origins. In the collinear ferromagnetic order, the higher-order topological magnonic insulator phase occurs. It serves as a unique example of the higher-order topological phase in magnonic system, since it does not require non-collinear order or asymmetric form of the interactions. In the magnetic domain phases, the magnons are localized along the domain wall and form one-dimensional topological edge mode. As the closed domain walls deform to a open network, the confined edge mode extends to form a network model of the topological magnons.