Treasure Map toward Skyrmion Evolution in Ambient Conditions: A Perspective on Electronic Instabilities and the Density of Energy

Magnetic skyrmions with their topologically protected properties are anticipated to shape the future of microelectronics. Understanding how skyrmions may evolve in ambient conditions presents a key challenge in the pursuit of technologically significant materials. In this perspective, we focus on electronic instabilities and the density of energy in known skyrmion hosts─where a pathway to a skyrmion phase transition is readily available─to identify signposts for the emergence of skyrmions. We then assess and validate these fingerprints by comparing isostructural materials that do and do not host skyrmions. We value the impressive international research efforts in the field that have built a strong foundation for many more enticing breakthroughs to come. We present a framework that reveals how the electronic origins of skyrmion formation define the critical temperature and field requirements, opening a path to predicting and designing materials that can host skyrmions at ambient conditions─the treasure on the treasure map.