Topological properties and dynamics of magnetic skyrmions
Abstract
Magnetic skyrmions are particle-like nanometre-sized spin textures of topological origin found in several magnetic materials, and are characterized by a long lifetime. Skyrmions have been observed both by means of neutron scattering in momentum space and microscopy techniques in real space, and their properties include novel Hall effects, current-driven motion with ultralow current density and multiferroic behaviour. These properties can be understood from a unified viewpoint, namely the emergent electromagnetism associated with the non-coplanar spin structure of skyrmions. From this description, potential applications of skyrmions as information carriers in magnetic information storage and processing devices are envisaged.
- Publication:
-
Nature Nanotechnology
- Pub Date:
- December 2013
- DOI:
- 10.1038/nnano.2013.243
- Bibcode:
- 2013NatNa...8..899N