Alternative understanding of the skyrmion Hall effect based on one-dimensional domain wall motion

TL;DR

This paper offers an alternative micromagnetic interpretation of the skyrmion Hall effect, linking it to domain wall dynamics, and proposes methods to suppress it for device applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel explanation of the skyrmion Hall effect based on domain wall motion and suggests ways to mitigate it using combined torques.

Findings

Domain wall dynamics explain the skyrmion Hall effect.

Combining spin-transfer and spin-orbit torques can suppress the effect.

Potential for improved skyrmion-based device control.

Abstract

A moving magnetic skyrmion exhibits transverse deflection. This so-called skyrmion Hall effect has been explained by the Thiele equation. Here, we provide an alternative interpretation of the skyrmion Hall effect based on the dynamics of domain walls enclosing the skyrmion. We relate the spin-torque-induced local rotation of the domain wall segments to the shift of the skyrmion core, explaining the skyrmion Hall effect at the micromagnetic level. Bases on our intuitive interpretation, we also show that the skyrmion Hall effect can be suppressed by combining the spin-transfer and spin-orbit torques, whereby removing the major obstacle to utilizing skyrmions in devices.