  By performing first-principles calculations in conjunction with Monte Carlo
simulations, we systematically investigated the frustrated magnetic states
induced by in-plane compressive strain in LiCrTe$_{2}$. Our calculations
support that the magnetic ground state of LiCrTe$_{2}$ crystal is A-type
antiferromagnetic (AFM), with an in-plane ferromagnetic (FM) state and
interlayer AFM coupling. Furthermore, it is found that compressive strain can
significantly alter the magnetic interactions, giving rise to a transition from
an in-plane FM to an AFM state, undergoing a helimagnetic phase. Remarkably, a
highly frustrated helimagnetic state with disordered spin spirals under
moderate strain arises from the competition between spiral propagation modes
along distinct directions. In addition, various topological spin defects emerge
in this frustrated helimagnetic phase, which are assembled from various domain
wall units. These topological defects can be further tuned with external
magnetic fields. Our calculations not only uncover the origin of exotic
frustrated magnetism in triangular lattice magnetic systems, but also offer a
promising route to engineer the frustrated and topological magnetic state,
which is of significance in both fundamental research and technological
applications.
