Tiny magnetic vortices could help computers work more like your brain
Scientists are researching skyrmions, tiny magnetic vortices that could enable a new generation of energy-efficient, brain-like computing systems. These structures offer a way to store and process data that mimics biological neural networks while consuming significantly less power than current technology.
Why it matters
Skyrmions represent a promising path toward overcoming the energy and space limitations of modern silicon-based computing.
Tiny magnetic structures called skyrmions could help pave the way for a new generation of computers that process information more like the human brain while using far less electricity. Although most people have never heard of skyrmions, these microscopic magnetic vortices may eventually play an important role in how computers store and process data.
A study published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology provides new insights into how skyrmions behave and how scientists can control them. The findings could help researchers develop smaller, more efficient computing systems and advance emerging quantum technologies.
Most of the research was conducted at the Institute of Physics at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, with contributions from a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
"Skyrmions are small, magnetic vortices that can store information in a completely new way," explained Asle Sudb , who leads NTNU's Centre for Quantum Spintronics (QuSpin).
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