Collaboration at Mainz University enables the simulation of skyrmion dynamics on experimentally relevant time scales

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Jan 31, 2025
Magnetic skyrmions, which range in size from nanometers to micrometers, exhibit particle-like properties and can be efficiently manipulated using electrical currents. This makes them a promising candidate for next-generation data storage and computing technologies.

However, simulating the intricate internal structure of skyrmions remains computationally demanding. A practical alternative involves modeling these magnetic structures as particles, akin to molecular simulations in biophysics. Until now, though, a direct correlation between simulation time and real experimental time had not been established.

Bridging Theory and Experiment

To overcome this challenge, researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) have combined theoretical and experimental physics expertise. The theoretical physics team led by Professor Peter Virnau partnered with the experimental physics group of Professor Mathias Klaui to develop a method that enables time conversion in simulations. By integrating experimental measurement techniques with statistical physics analysis, the researchers have established a means to match simulation dynamics with real-world experiments.

"We can now not only quantitatively predict the dynamics of skyrmions, but the simulations are also similar in speed to the experiments," explained theoretical physicist Maarten A. Brems, who played a key role in developing the methodology.

Professor Mathias Klaui highlighted the significance of this advancement: "The predictive power of the new simulations will significantly accelerate the development of skyrmion-based applications, especially with regard to novel, alternative energy-saving computer architectures, which are the focus of JGU's Top-level Research Area 'TopDyn - Dynamics and Topology,' amongst others."

This breakthrough in skyrmion simulation methodology brings researchers closer to practical applications, offering a pathway toward more efficient, energy-saving computational technologies.

Research Report:Realizing Quantitative Quasiparticle Modeling of Skyrmion Dynamics in Arbitrary Potentials