Stochastic Dynamics of Skyrmions on a Racetrack: Impact of Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium Noise

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical framework to analyze how thermal and spin-current noise influence skyrmion motion in racetrack memory, providing insights into error sources at high velocities.

Contribution

It introduces a stochastic Thiele equation-based model to quantify skyrmion diffusion and first-passage times under realistic noise conditions in racetrack devices.

Findings

Spin-current noise dominates skyrmion dynamics at room temperature.

Derived diffusion coefficients and mean-squared displacements quantify stochastic motion.

Estimated first-passage times reveal error probabilities in skyrmion propagation.

Abstract

Current-driven motion of domain walls and skyrmions is central to the operation of non-volatile magnetic memory devices. Racetrack memory requires current densities high enough to generate velocities above 50 m/s, but such conditions also enhance spin-current noise. We develop a theoretical framework based on the stochastic Thiele equation to analyze the effects of equilibrium (thermal) and nonequilibrium (spin-current) fluctuations on skyrmion dynamics. From this approach, we derive diffusion coefficients and mean-squared displacements that quantify stochastic motion under both noise sources. Micromagnetic simulations and analytical results demonstrate that spin-current noise dominates skyrmion dynamics in typical racetrack structures up to room temperature. We further address the first-passage-time problem, obtaining the mean first-passage time and its standard deviation along and across the racetrack. These results quantify how random displacements affect skyrmion propagation and detection, providing insights into error sources in high-speed racetrack memory devices.