Skyrmion dynamics and applications in neuromorphic computing*

Skyrmionics and neuromorphics are among the most promising fields of physics with the perspective of creating future devices and technologies. Magnetic skyrmions are nanoscale magnetic whirls that are topologically protected and can be moved by currents, leading to the prediction of several applications. Its topological charge leads to high stability; however, it also leads to the skyrmion Hall effect. From memory storage devices, like the racetrack memory, to computing devices, like artificial neurons, this shortcoming is one of the primary reasons why skyrmion-based spintronic devices have yet to be achieved. Here, we study the motion of skyrmions with different topological charges and helicities. Using an effective center-of-mass description of these magnetic quasiparticles, namely, the Thiele equation, we analyze their dynamics under different gradient landscapes and interactions aiming to suppress or take advantage of the skyrmion Hall effect. Following a neuroscience approach, we also discuss possible applications in neuromorphic computing.