2026-08-20 早稲田大学
熱ゆらぎが引き起こす磁気スキルミオンの非対称拡散現象の概念図。
＜関連情報＞
構造化環境における反発性スキルミオンの拡散非対称性 Diffusion asymmetry of repulsive skyrmions in structured environment
Xichao Zhang,Charles Reichhardt,Cynthia J. O. Reichhardt,Qiming Shao,Rui Zhang,Yan Zhou,Yongbing Xu & Masahito Mochizuki
npj Spintronics Published:16 July 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s44306-026-00154-y Early provide
Abstract
The diffusion of matter in structured environments can give rise to emergent phenomena that do not occur in unstructured environments. Here, we report the asymmetric diffusion of magnetic skyrmions in structured chambers, where repulsive skyrmion–skyrmion and skyrmion-environment interactions play vital roles in their diffusive behavior. By fabricating an off-center asymmetric gate separating two chambers, skyrmions could demonstrate asymmetric diffusion through the gate, which depends on the gate symmetry, the gate opening width, and the skyrmion density. Although the diffusion is affected by the skyrmion density, the simulation outcomes are generally in line with rate equation solutions assuming time-independent diffusion rates. Diffusive skyrmions within the chamber can transiently form bonds through repulsive skyrmion–skyrmion interactions, leading to emergent rotational dynamics that is unique to interacting skyrmion systems. Our results uncover asymmetric diffusive behavior of skyrmions, offering insights that will appeal to a wide audience interested in magnetism, active matter, and statistical physics.
