Optical skyrmions control magnetic skyrmion motion in new study
Researchers at Waseda University in Japan used simulations to show how optical skyrmions can direct the movement of magnetic skyrmions.
Magnetic and optical skyrmions defined
Magnetic skyrmions are swirling magnetization patterns that act like stable particles inside specific materials. These structures are small enough to move with low energy, making them useful for future memory devices. Optical skyrmions share a similar topological description but exist as structured polarization textures in light fields.
Study addresses separation of fields
Scientists have traditionally studied magnetism and photonics separately despite the shared topology between these two types of skyrmions. A team led by Professor Masahito Mochizuki investigated whether light topology can influence magnetic dynamics. They conducted this investigation using micromagnetic simulations to bridge the knowledge gap between the two disciplines.
Team composition and methods
The research group included Dr Lan Bo, a postdoctoral fellow supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. Dr Xichao Zhang also contributed as a former research associate professor at the same institution. The study focuses on filling the gap in understanding how to control magnetic skyrmion motion precisely.
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