Skyrmions proposed as the basis for a completely new computer architecture

The magnetic interactions between atoms at minute scales can create unique states such as skyrmions. Skyrmions have special properties and can exist in certain material systems, such as a 'stack' of different sub-nanometer-thick metal layers. Modern computer technology based on skyrmions—which are only a few nanometers in size—promises to enable an extremely compact and ultrafast way of storing and processing data.