Chiral Spin Textures for Next-Generation Memory and Unconventional Computing

Abstract

The realization of chiral spin textures, comprising myriad distinct, nanoscale arrangements of spins with topological properties, has established pathways for engineering robust, energy-efficient, and scalable elements for non-volatile nanoelectronics. Particularly, current-induced manipulation of spin textures in nanowire racetracks and tunnel junction based devices are actively investigated for applications in memory, logic, and unconventional computing. In this Article, we paint a background on the progress of spin textures, as well as the relevant state-of-the-art techniques used for their development. In particular, we clarify the competing energy landscape of chiral spin texturesskyrmions and chiral domain walls, to tune their size, density, and zero-field stability. Next, we discuss the spin texture phenomenology and their response to extrinsic factors arising from geometric constraints, interwire interactions, and thermal-electrical effects. Finally, we reveal promising chiral spintronic memory and neuromorphic devices and discuss emerging material and device engineering opportunities.

Designing giant Hall response in layered topological semimetals

“…A 3x2x0.5mm single crystal of Tb 3 Sn 7 was mounted on an aluminium strip and the crystal was aligned with the b axis vertical allowing the collection on the WISH detector of the H0L scattering plane plus a 15 degrees coverage above and below the plane. The zero applied magnetic field data were measured in an 4 He cryostat whereas the field dependence of the magnetic structure has been measured in a cryomagnet (restricting the out-of-plane coverage) in the 0-8 T field range with the external magnetic field applied along the b axis of the parent paramagnetic structure. Long data collection with two orientations in the H0L plane were collected at 1.5 K, and 0 and 7 T respectively to solve and refine the magnetic structure in phase I, III and V. Data reduction has been performed using the Mantid software [58].…”

“…Hall effects) in absence of a large net magnetization, avoiding slowing down dynamics or the creation of inconvenient stray fields. As such, noncollinear magnets have recently been invoked [1][2][3][4] in prospective data storage solutions which promise to eliminate many issues inherent in transistor-based technologies, including high power consumption and poor remanence, while also drastically improving access rates that are typically thought to be the Achilles heel of magnetic memories.…”

Comparative Electronic Structures of the Chiral Helimagnets Cr1/3NbS2 and Cr1/3TaS2

“…Next-generation spintronic devices utilize the spin degree of freedom to store information. , Magnetic materials in which spins order in topologically protected quasiparticles, such as skyrmions or magnetic solitons, are promising platforms for realizing such devices. , These chiral spin textures can be manipulated with currents and magnetic fields, which is appealing for various applications in memory, logic, and unconventional computing . For practical spintronic devices, optimizing the energy and length scales of the spin textures is important: stability at operationally accessible temperatures and fields as well as high density in thin-film architectures is broadly desirable.…”

“… 3 , 4 These chiral spin textures can be manipulated with currents and magnetic fields, which is appealing for various applications in memory, logic, and unconventional computing. 5 For practical spintronic devices, optimizing the energy and length scales of the spin textures is important: stability at operationally accessible temperatures and fields as well as high density in thin-film architectures is broadly desirable. Strategies to control the microscopic mechanisms that give rise to complex magnetism are thus needed.…”

Consequences and Control of Multiscale Order/Disorder in Chiral Magnetic Textures

“…Future electronic devices may rely on the manipulation of spin for information storage, mandating the exploration of solid-state platforms that enable magnetic order to be finely tuned and controlled. − The potential benefits of miniaturization in terms of storage density and/or power efficiency may be realized either through the design of magnetic materials in which the atomic lattice imposes nanoscale confinement (that is, low-dimensional magnetic materials) , or by exploiting atomic lattices which–even in bulk three-dimensional materials–produce nanoscale spin textures owing to a balance of disparate spin–spin correlations. − Transition metal intercalated transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) offer a rich platform to investigate a wide range of magnetic phenomena. − These materials can be described by the general chemical formula T x MCh 2 , where T and M are transition metals, Ch is a chalcogen, and x < 1. The intercalant stoichiometry x can direct the formation of superlattices through long-range ordering of the intercalant ions.…”