Memory functions of magnetic skyrmions

W. Koshibae, Y. Kaneko, J. Iwasaki, M. Kawasaki, Y. Tokura, N. Nagaosa

Published 2015-01-30Version 1

Magnetic skyrmion, a swirling spin texture, in chiral magnets is characterized by (i) nano-scale size ($\sim$1nm -- 100nm), (ii) topological stability, and (iii) gyro-dynamics. These features are shown to be advantageous for (a) high-density data-storage, (b) nonvolatile memory, and (c) ultra-low current and energy cost manipulation, respectively. By the numerical simulations of Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, the elementary functions of skyrmions are demonstrated aiming at the design principles of skyrmionic memory devices.