A reversible conversion between a skyrmion and a domain-wall pair in a junction geometry

Area of Science:

• Spintronics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Skyrmions are crucial for next-generation spintronics, termed 'skyrmionics'.
• Domain walls are used in established memory devices.
• A hybrid approach could leverage the benefits of both technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the conversion between skyrmions and domain walls.
• To enable information transfer between skyrmion and domain-wall-based devices.
• To lay the groundwork for novel hybrid spintronic memory devices.

Main Methods:

• Connecting wide and narrow nanowires to facilitate conversion.
• Utilizing functional control of skyrmions.
• Developing a read-out mechanism via skyrmion-to-domain-wall conversion.

Main Results:

• Successful conversion between skyrmions and domain-wall pairs was achieved.
• Information transmission between skyrmion and domain-wall devices is now possible.
• A pathway for hybrid device integration was established.

Conclusions:

• The conversion capability is the basis for hybrid skyrmion-domain wall devices.
• These hybrid devices offer potential advantages over current domain-wall racetrack memory.
• This research advances spintronics applications by merging distinct memory technologies.