SKYTOP-Skyrmion-topological insulator and Weyl semimetal technology
SKYTOP develops a technology based on topological quantum matter that can have an impact on information processing and storage. The project gathers expertise from Greece, France, Germany, Italy and Belgium to face challenges in materials growth, device modelling and evaluation as well as scale-up of the technology for future volume production.
Magnetic materials show unusual swirling configurations of their spin (Skyrmions) characterized by non-trivial topology, while a class of topological materials known as topological insulators (TI) and Weyl semimetals (WSM) show unexpected transport properties due to unusual twisting of their electronic band structure. In SKYTOP we aim to combine these different classes of topological matter and demonstrate that they can lead to new energy efficient ways of manipulating and storing bits of information. It will be a big challenge in this project to show that possible compatibility issues can be overcome and that the new topological materials combinations can be synergetic and fully functional.
The overall objectives of the project are:
• Explore synergies between two classes of topological materials: Skyrmions (topology in real space) and topological Insulators (TI) and Weyl semimetals (topology in reciprocal space). The ultimate goal is to enable low power all-electric skyrmion manipulation for magnetic and spintronic devices.
• Open an exploitation route for Weyls (and TIs) for practical applications. The Spin Hall effect is a key property for Weyls (and TIs) that could lead to important applications if combined with magnetic materials such as Skyrmionic materials. Large area growth by a variety of synthetic thin film growth techniques (MBE, MOCVD, sputtering) as well as a growth scale-up activity are key for the development of manufacturable topological devices in the future.
• Mobilize the emerging community on topological matter. An aggressive outreach activity is envisaged to increase awareness in a wider scientific and technological society about the opportunities offered by topological materials.
Expected impacts on society
Our new skyrmionic magnetic devices, enhanced by TI and WSM materials, offer ultra-low power consumption, and enable the design of next generation neuromorphic devices and circuits with expected impact on artificial intelligence (AI) of the future. AI is expected to penetrate every part of our daily lives at home and work, improving services and security and enhancing the well-being of citizens by enabling for example autonomous driving and health monitoring and prevention.
