Proposed controlled creation and manipulation of skyrmions with spin-orbit torque
Abstract
The physical mechanisms underlying current-driven skyrmion motion include the spin-transfer torque exerted by a spin-polarized horizontal electric current and the spin-orbit torque exerted by a perpendicular spin current. Each mechanism requires a specific sample geometry and structural configuration. Regarding current-induced skyrmion creation, skyrmions can be efficiently created at low current densities via spin-transfer torque when an electric current is applied to a nanotrack structure with a small notch. However, an effective and controlled method for skyrmion creation via spin-orbit torque in notched nanotracks has yet to be established. Here we theoretically propose a method for the creation, driving, and deletion of skyrmions in a three-terminal magnetic heterojunction with a notch. Our proposal offers valuable insights into the design of techniques for skyrmion creation and manipulation using spin-orbit torque, which is essential for technical applications of magnetic skyrmions as information carriers in next-generation spintronic memory devices.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2505.04827,
title = {Proposed controlled creation and manipulation of skyrmions with spin-orbit torque},
author = {Yuto Uwabo and Ryo Fujimoto and Kimimaro Yanai and Masahito Mochizuki},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2505.04827},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
14 pages, 9 figures, invited article for Special Topic on "Ferroic Materials, Domains, and Domain Walls: Bridging Fundamentals with Next-Generation Technology" in Journal of Applied Physics