An alternative understanding of the skyrmion Hall effect based on one-dimensional domain wall motion

Abstract

A moving magnetic skyrmion exhibits transverse deflection. This so-called skyrmion Hall effect has been explained by the Thiele equation. Here, we provide an alternative interpretation of the skyrmion Hall effect based on the dynamics of domain walls enclosing the skyrmion. We relate the spin-torque-induced local rotation of the domain wall segments to the shift of the skyrmion core, explaining the skyrmion Hall effect at the micromagnetic level. Based on our intuitive interpretation, we also show that the skyrmion Hall effect can be suppressed by combining the spin-transfer and spin–orbit torques, thereby removing the major obstacle to utilizing skyrmions in devices.