Waseda University researchers use optical skyrmions to control magnetic skyrmions

Researchers at Waseda University have demonstrated through computer simulations that optical skyrmions can be used to manipulate magnetic skyrmions. This discovery highlights the interaction between two different topological structures: one existing in light and the other in magnetic materials.

The study revealed that irradiating magnetic skyrmions with optical skyrmions produces three distinct types of motion: rotation, skipping, and trochoidal circling. By altering the ‘helicity’ of the optical skyrmion, researchers found they could selectively control the movement trajectory of the magnetic skyrmion.

This breakthrough offers potential pathways for developing non-contact manipulation technologies, such as optical tweezers for magnetic structures, and could contribute to next-generation information technologies that integrate light and magnetic technologies.