Magnetic skyrmion-based synaptic devices

TL;DR

This paper introduces a bioinspired magnetic skyrmion device that mimics synaptic plasticity, demonstrating both short-term and long-term potentiation, and offers new opportunities for neuromorphic computing applications.

Contribution

It presents a novel skyrmionic device with synaptic-like plasticity, integrating biological synapse functions into magnetic skyrmion technology.

Findings

Demonstrated synaptic weight modulation via stimuli

Achieved both STP and LTP in the device

Enabled spiking time-dependent plasticity

Abstract

Magnetic skyrmions are promising candidates for next-generation information carriers, owing to their small size, topological stability, and ultralow depinning current density. A wide variety of skyrmionic device concepts and prototypes have been proposed, highlighting their potential applications. Here, we report on a bioinspired skyrmionic device with synaptic plasticity. The synaptic weight of the proposed device can be strengthened/weakened by positive/negative stimuli, mimicking the potentiation/depression process of a biological synapse. Both short-term plasticity(STP) and long-term potentiation(LTP) functionalities have been demonstrated for a spiking time-dependent plasticity(STDP) scheme. This proposal suggests new possibilities for synaptic devices for use in spiking neuromorphic computing applications.