Field configurable skyrmion devices utilising fine planar motion control

Abstract: Magnetic skyrmions are nano-scale spin textures whose stability, size and ease of manipulation make them strong contenders for next generation data and logic applications. Here we illustrate fine motion control of skyrmions, we show how they can be moved in any direction and for any distance, in the plane. We demonstrate, using simulations, two novel skyrmionic devices whose function is predicated upon the fine planar motion control of skyrmions. The first device is a field configurable logic gate that could be used as a component in a larger skyrmionic processor. The second is a field configurable skyrmion spiking neuron device that could be a component in larger skyrmionic neural networks. Such devices are highly energy efficient and are potentially useful in the field of neuromorphic computing, which seeks to build 'brainlike' computers. Finally we explore the concept that this free planar motion, which enables us to ignore the skyrmion Hall effect, offers an important new paradigm in skyrmionic device theory moving away from the current applications such as racetrack memory.