An international research team led by CNRS scientists has discovered that magnetic nanobubbles called skyrmions can be moved at speeds up to 900 m/s using electrical currents, which is a significant improvement from the previous speed of 100 m/s. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for using skyrmions as future bits in computer memory, offering improved avenues for information processing in electronic devices. Skyrmions, which are composed of tiny spins that form a stable spiral structure, are small in size and have high computing and information storage capacity with low energy consumption.
The scientists were able to achieve this significant increase in speed by using an antiferromagnetic material as a medium for the skyrmions to move through. This allowed the skyrmions to move ten times faster than previously observed, making them viable candidates for higher-performance and less energy-intensive computing devices. These findings were published in Science on 19 March, showcasing the potential for skyrmions to revolutionize the field of spintronics and contribute to the development of a more agile and enduring digital world.
The research team consisted of scientists from various French laboratories, including SPINTEC, the Institut Néel, and the Charles Coulomb Laboratory. These institutions are part of the SPIN national research programme, which was launched on 29 January to support innovative research in spintronics. The goal of this programme is to facilitate the development of advanced technologies that can enhance information processing and storage capabilities in electronic devices.
Skyrmions, with their nanoscale size and unique magnetic properties, hold promise for revolutionizing the field of computing and information storage. By harnessing the fast-moving capabilities of skyrmions, researchers can explore new avenues for improving the performance and efficiency of electronic devices. The use of antiferromagnetic materials as a medium for skyrmion movement has demonstrated significant advancements in speed, paving the way for the development of next-generation computing technologies.
Overall, the discovery of faster moving skyrmions through the use of antiferromagnetic materials represents a significant milestone in spintronics research. By achieving speeds of up to 900 m/s, scientists have unlocked the potential of skyrmions to revolutionize information processing in electronic devices. With the support of the SPIN national research programme, ongoing research in this field will continue to explore the capabilities of skyrmions and their potential applications in future computing technologies.
