Thin‐Film Magnetic Skyrmions for Spintronic Devices

Abstract Magnetic skyrmions are chiral spin textures characterized by a winding number. These nanoscale entities possess topological stability and can be driven by an ultralow current density. Since their discovery in bulk chiral magnets and magnetic multilayer thin films, they have attracted extensive research due to their potential as information carriers in spintronic devices. In particular, thin‐film magnetic skyrmions have garnered significant attention because they can be stabilized at room temperature, offer high tunability of material parameters, and are compatible with standard semiconductor processing technologies. However, several critical challenges remain before they can be practically applied. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent significant advancements and major issues in thin‐film skyrmion‐based spintronic devices. Firstly, this work introduces the physical mechanisms and stabilization methods of magnetic skyrmions across various magnetic thin film materials, summarizing the current state of skyrmion sizes in most thin film materials. This work then discusses the dynamics of thin‐film skyrmions, focusing on their precise creation, deterministic motion, and efficient detection, particularly through electrical means. Furthermore, this work explores the potential applications of thin‐film magnetic skyrmions in memory, logic, and neuromorphic devices. Lastly, this work summarizes the critical challenges that need to be addressed before all‐electrical skyrmionic device applications can become viable and offer perspectives for future research.