Work

Photoinduced Picosecond‐Scale Radial Current for Generating and Converting Spin Textures

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected spin textures characterized by their whirling structure, high stability, and potential for next-generation magnetic devices. However, their practical implementation has been hindered by the absence of methods for ultrafast and energy-efficient skyrmion writing and erasure. We theoretically propose the generation of a picosecond-scale photoinduced radial current that produces an azimuthally polarized spin-orbit torque in a heavy-metal/ferromagnet heterostructure. This approach enables ultrafast (< 50 ps) generation and controlled transitions between four distinct types of topological skyrmionic quasiparticles. Our results establish a versatile platform for optically controlled topological magnetism and open pathways for high-speed, low-power spin-based memory and logic technologies.

Source: Nanophotonics

DOI: 10.1002/nap2.70060

Authors: Xiaoqiang Zhang, Pierre Vallobra, Yong Xu, Xiaoyang Lin, Weisheng Zhao

Institution: Beihang University

Language: English

Topic: Magnetic properties of thin films

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,995

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key Research and Development Program of China