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Forty years ago, no one would have believed that the device in the palm of your hand could be a computer. This marvel was made possible through the relentless research and development of miniaturised, high-efficiency electronic components. The nanoscale magnetic structure of magnetic skyrmions is considered by scientists to be a highly promising new generation of data carriers. The research team led by Dr. Wang Duo from the Faculty of Applied Sciences proposes a mechanism for generating polar skyrmions through in-depth studies of the complex behaviours of magnetic skyrmions. Their research has been published in the prestigious international journal npj 2D Materials and Applications, part of the Nature series. This work provides new insights and foundations for semiconductor material research, potentially breaking the physical limits of semiconductor technology and leading to further evolution in both the size and performance of electronic devices.

Nanomaterials and Magnetic Skyrmions

Semiconductors are the bedrock of modern technology, enabling the control of electric currents to power a myriad of electronic components found in computers, smartphones, smart home devices, and other digital products that define our contemporary lifestyle. Despite achieving nanoscale dimensions, the quest for even smaller and more efficient components continues to captivate scientists. In 2009, researchers uncovered a nanoscale magnetic structure known as a magnetic skyrmion. Characterised by a unique spin configuration, this structure boasts remarkable topological properties, allowing it to maintain stability and resist external disturbances like heat or magnetic fields. Its compact size and the ease of manipulation via electric currents highlight its significant potential for advancing semiconductor material technology.

However, 15 years later, a multitude of challenges persist in impeding the practical utilisation of magnetic skyrmions, particularly concerning their magnetic topological attributes, correlation with electric polarisation, and the precise depiction of polarisation density. These issues have not been well resolved and remain as a primary focus among scientists. Dr. Wang and his team have been investigating a nanoscale material known as Janus-type 2D magnet CrInX3(X=Se, Te). They have made a significant achievement by unraveling the microscopic mechanisms underpinning the formation of magnetic skyrmions and identifying a more efficient type – polar skyrmion, introducing fresh possibilities to the realm of materials science exploration.

The arrangement of skyrmions can significantly enhance computer performance and potentially increase the data processing speed of future quantum computers. Due to their high stability, skyrmions can control electricity using their magnetic properties, ensuring that no information is lost and substantially boosting the storage capabilities of electronic components. This technology could result in faster operation speeds, reduced power consumption, and enhanced energy efficiency in electronic products.

Deciphering the Mystery Between Magnetic Skyrmions and Electropolarisation

Dr. Wang has been extensively dedicated to the theoretical study of complex magnetic materials. His notable discoveries, featured in impactful publications such as Physical Review B and Advanced Functional Materials, have garnered widespread acclaim. Currently, in collaboration with institutions including the University of Nebraska, Southeast University, Shandong Advanced Institute of Technology, and Uppsala University, he investigated the magnetic skyrmion phenomena within the Janus 2D magnet CrInX3.

The research team employed advanced simulation tools to understand how this 2D magnet reacts under various environmental conditions, including changes in magnetic fields and temperature shifts. This yielded essential data for developing high-performance and reliable applications. The research found that significant polarisation occurs when the magnet is exposed to a magnetic field, especially when the field aligns perpendicularly to the material’s surface. Importantly, they identified a direct relationship between the magnetic morphology and polarisation density, explained by the inverse Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (a physical interaction that causes adjacent magnetic spins to tend to align perpendicularly). The study effectively elucidated the phenomenon of significantly reduced polarisation density around magnetic skyrmions. This interaction reveals how specific magnetic field patterns affect electrical behaviour, leading to a reduction in polarisation around magnetic skyrmions.

Dr. Wang Duo

The Transformative Impact of Polar Skyrmions

In their detailed study of the relationship between magnetic morphology and polarisation density, the research team identified a type of polar skyrmion. Unlike traditional magnetic skyrmions which are solely used for data storage and transmission, polar skyrmions exhibit both magnetic and spontaneous polarisation. This dual functionality enhances performance by utilising both properties. The researchers proposed a new mechanism for the formation of polar skyrmions, opening new avenues in materials science research. This advancement not only facilitates the generation of skyrmions and the innovation of novel materials but also propels the fields of nanotechnology and the semiconductor industry, playing a crucial role in the evolution of future electronic devices.

The polar skyrmions identified in CrInX3 represent an advanced version of magnetic skyrmions, with the potential to overcome existing barriers and establish the groundwork for new multifunctional electronic components. They have the capability to substantially reduce the dimensions of electronic devices, akin to condensing an entire library into the volume of a sugar cube, all the while accelerating data retrieval, facilitating near-instantaneous access to any page within any book. This breakthrough harbours the potential to enhance the efficiency of a wide array of electronic gadgets, ranging from smartphones to computers.

Sustainable Development in the Semiconductor Industry

This research has made substantial contributions in propelling the semiconductor sector forward. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, global semiconductor market revenues are anticipated to hit US$1 trillion by 2030, expanding at an annual rate of 6% to 8%. This signifies a notably rapid growth rate within the electronics industry. With the ongoing proliferation of electronic devices and the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI, there has been a sharp uptick in data processing, resulting in substantial spikes in power consumption. This trend poses a significant global energy dilemma.

The advent of polar skyrmion technology holds the promise of supplanting conventional materials in electronic components, ushering in a new era of energy-efficient devices that demand lower power consumption. This transition could result in diminished carbon emissions and a reduced environmental impact stemming from electronic products. Furthermore, this emerging technology has the potential to elevate battery efficiency in electric vehicles and portable devices, thereby bolstering energy applications. The exploration of polar skyrmions transcends mere material enhancements; it is an endeavour aimed at crafting sustainable solutions that bolster the continuous sustainable evolution of the semiconductor industry, laying the groundwork for a brighter future.

Leading Regional Innovation and Education Through Technology

As Macao advances its AI technology, the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin is shaping a unique microelectronics industry. MPU capitalises on its expertise in driving high-tech innovation and education, providing robust support for researchers in pioneering studies. Aligned with the Macao SAR Government’s advocacy, MPU integrates AI into diverse sectors to stimulate innovation and boost efficiency.

The University offers a comprehensive AI curriculum, supported robustly by industry-leading centres such as the Engineering Research Centre of Applied Technology on Machine Translation and Artificial Intelligence, as well as the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Driven Drug Discovery. These centres bolster educational efforts and lead in the development of AI applications, ensuring that students acquire essential skills for innovation in high-demand areas like smart healthcare, digital economy, smart finance, smart cities, and machine translation.

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