Skyrmion motion driven by the gradient of voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy

Controllable manipulation of skyrmion motion is important for next-generation spintronics. Here, a gradient of voltage-controlled magnetic anistropy (VCMA) induced skyrmion motion in a Co/Pt nanotrack was reported using micromagnetic simulations. The results show that a magnetic skyrmion, driven by the gradient of VCMA, can move straightly along the nanotrack without deflection due to boundary effects. The velocity and diameter of the magnetic skyrmion increases in proportion to the gradient of VCMA, which are in agreement with the analytical model. Effects of notch on the VCMA gradient-induced skyrmion motion are also investigated. This work provides an effective approach to drive skyrmion motion, which can give guidance for next-generation spintronic devices.