Physicist Tony Skyrme introduced a topological feature called a skyrmion more than 50 years ago. Recently, skyrmions have drawn a great deal of new attention, not only for the related topology and physics, but also for the potential applications of skyrmions in advanced technology (i.e., high-capacity information storage). Research activities on skyrmions have been booming over the past few years, but there have been no books providing a comprehensive review of the research, until this publication. To my knowledge, this is the first book that covers the concepts and features of magnetic skyrmions in such a systematic and comprehensive manner.
The foreword is written by Nobel laureate Albert Fert. The book consists of 14 chapters, with a total of more than 40 contributing authors.
Chapter 1 introduces the general topology of skyrmions. Chapter 2 describes experimental approaches for magnetic domain observations from conventional methods to updated techniques, with a focus on currently adopted observation techniques for skyrmion investigations (including neutron scattering and Lorentz transmission electron microscopy), as well as the related theoretical issues (including the stability of magnetic skyrmions). Chapters 3–7 introduce several other experimental investigations of magnetic skyrmions through the use of techniques, including resonant x-ray scattering, Kerr microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, photoemission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and spin-polarized electron microscopy. Chapters 8–10 discuss the dynamics of magnetic skyrmions, including field-driven motion, dynamical creation and distortion, and resonant excitation. Chapters 11–14 review the potential applications of magnetic skyrmions.
The figures and tables are adequate, and the references are up to date. The book does not include examples or problem sets. This publication is suitable for readers who are interested in condensed-matter physics, especially magnetism and electronics, both at an undergraduate and postgraduate level. It also can provide good guidance to those starting research on magnetic skyrmions.
Reviewer: Mingzhong Wu of the Department of Physics, Colorado State University, USA.
