FLEET seminar. Analytic theories for magnetic skyrmions

Dr Karen Livesey, University of Newcastle

In-person: G29, New Horizons Bld, 20 Research Way, Monash University, CLAYTON

Light lunch provided after presentation

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Skyrmions are tiny swirls in the local magnetization that can exist in thin films at room temperatures. They were only imaged for the first time in 2009 and are promising candidates for high-density and low-energy data storage. A key to their existence is an asymmetric magnetic exchange interaction known as the “Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction” (DMI). In this talk, I will discuss our analytic models for predicting the size of skyrmions. These analytic tools provide scientists and engineers with an easy way to make predictions about new magnetic materials for data storage applications.

Dr Karen Livesey is a theoretical physicist designing new nano-sized magnets to address technological challenges, such as reducing the energy that computers use, and heating inoperable cancer tumours. She is currently a Senior Lecturer of Physics at the University of Newcastle, and an Associate Investigator at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low Energy Electronic Technologies. In 2023 Karen is a national Superstar of STEM (Science and Technology Australia) and the AIP Women in Physics lecturer (Australian Institute of Physics).