Twisted skyrmion at domain boundaries and the method of image

Abstract

We predict a novel twisted skyrmion structure at the boundary of two antiferromagnetically coupled magnetic domains with antiparallel magnetization directions. Through this intermediate state, skyrmions with opposite polarities can be freely switched between each other by spin-polarized electric currents. Based on these findings, we propose the concept of double-track skyrmion racetrack memory and logic gates where the binary data are represented by skyrmions with different polarities. The dynamics of skyrmion polarity reversal is theoretically studied. Using the method of image, we derive the analytical formula of the repulsive potential when a normal skyrmion approaches the domain boundary. A harmonic attractive potential well is obtained for the twisted skyrmion across the boundary. Micromagnetic simulations compare well with theoretical predictions. The method of image skyrmion proposed in this work can be used to deal with a large class of skyrmion-boundary interaction problems.