Skyrmions in nanorings: a versatile platform for Skyrmionics

TL;DR

This paper explores skyrmion-based nanorings as versatile platforms for developing nanoscale devices like clocks, generators, and energy harvesters, demonstrating their tunability and functionality through simulations and theoretical models.

Contribution

It introduces novel applications of skyrmion nanorings for energy-efficient nanoscale devices, with detailed analysis of their tunability and realistic operational conditions.

Findings

Skyrmion motion can be used to generate electrical signals.

Device functionality is maintained at room temperature with defects.

Frequency and amplitude of signals are tunable via material and geometric parameters.

Abstract

The dynamical properties of skyrmions can be exploited to build devices with new functionalities. Here, we first investigate a skyrmion-based ring-shaped device by means of micromagnetic simulations and Thiele equation. We subsequently show three applications scenarios: (1) a clock with tunable frequency that is biased with an electrical current having a radial spatial distribution, (2) an alternator, where the skyrmion circular motion driven by an engineered anisotropy gradient is converted into an electrical signal, and (3) an energy harvester, where the skyrmion motion driven by a thermal gradient is converted into an electrical signal, thus providing a heat recovery operation. We also show how to precisely tune the frequency and amplitude of the output electrical signals by varying material parameters, geometrical parameters, number and velocity of skyrmions, and we further prove the correct device functionality under realistic conditions given by room temperature and internal material defects. Our results open a new route for the realization of energy efficient nanoscale clocks, generators, and energy harvesters.