Creation and Annihilation of Magnetic Skyrmions for Neuromorphic
Computing Applications
Abstract
In this work we present the creation, annihilation and dynamics of a
topologically protected magnetic structure, a skyrmion, for neuromorphic
computing application. We study the effect of Dzyaloshinskii Moriya
interaction (DMI) and surface anisotropy on the skyrmion density. The
relation between skyrmion annihilation threshold anisotropy Kth and DMI
coefficient is evaluated. Furthermore, the skyrmion diameter dependence
on these two parameters is studied. Using MOKE analysis we study the
effect of external magnetic field on the skyrmion density and predict
the threshold magnetic field for the transition of magnetic texture from
Labriynth domains to skyrmions. These results are further supported by
the MuMax simulations. The spin orbit torque SOT manipulation of
skyrmion size and density is also presented for skyrmion applications in
the race-track memory and neuromorphic computing. Motivated by the
results, we propose a Skyrmionic neuromorphic device and using SOT
switching mechanism, show its applicability as spintronic synapse and
neuron. The MuMax simulations are coupled to the Non- Equilibrium
Green’s Function formalism to model the neuron and synapse behavior.
Finally, we conclude with the possibility of using these devices for
pattern recognition and other unconventional computing paradigms.