Review—Magnetic Skyrmions in Chiral Ferromagnets: Electrical Transport Properties and Device Applications

Abstract

In this review article, we provide an overview of skyrmion dynamics in the transport behavior of skyrmions based on the existing theoretical and experimental works in addition to the device applications. Swirling spin textures, namely, skyrmions are expected to play extremely important role in future energy efficient spintronic devices. We emphasize specifically on the electrical control of the skyrmion dynamics from the fundamental to application point of view. To begin with, we discuss the role of antisymmetric exchange interaction, namely, the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction which has its origin in spin–orbit coupling and symmetry breaking at the interface in stabilizing the skyrmion. In-depth understanding of the role of in-plane and out of plane spin torque in governing the skyrmion dynamics is discussed. Importantly, the skyrmion Hall effect, voltage control of skyrmion dynamics, and various important experimental techniques for generating and detecting skyrmion have been elaborated. Given the delicate physics involved with the manipulation and detection of skyrmion, the crucial understanding of the experimental results and theory from the perspective of electrical transport are discussed. Finally, the application of skyrmions in various devices e.g., magnetic memory, transistors and logic gates along with challenges involved are summarized briefly.