Room-temperature skyrmion shift device for memory application (Conference Presentation)

Magnetic skyrmions are intensively explored for potential applications in ultralow-energy data storage and computing. To create practical skyrmionic memory devices, it is necessary to electrically create and manipulate these topologically-protected information carriers in thin films, thus realizing both writing and addressing functions. Although room-temperature skyrmions have been previously observed, fully electrically controllable skyrmionic memory devices, integrating both of these functions, have not been developed to date. In this talk, I will talk about our recent demonstration of a room-temperature skyrmion shift memory device, where individual skyrmions are controllably generated and shifted using current-induced spin-orbit torques. Particularly, it is shown that one can select the device operation mode in between: (i) writing new single skyrmions, or (ii) shifting existing skyrmions, by controlling the magnitude and duration of current pulses. Thus, we electrically realize both writing and addressing of a stream of skyrmions in the device. This prototype demonstration brings skyrmions closer to real-world computing applications.