Skyrmions and Hall Transport (ePub)

In the past decade, the field of physics has witnessed renewed advances in physical systems without mirror (parity) symmetry. Firstly, the experimental discovery of chiral magnetic skyrmions has stirred a great deal of anticipation because their nanoscale size, topological protection, and energy efficiency make them an attractive candidate for cutting-edge spintronic applications. Secondly, the discovery of Hall viscosity, a new universal transport coefficient, through advancements in hydrodynamics has triggered extensive theoretical work in quantum Hall systems.

This book unites these two findings in an extensive account of skyrmion dynamics using novel analytical tools. Of particular interest is a generalized field theory Ward identity, a first principle method using symmetries and the associated conservation equations, which facilitates our understanding of Hall viscosity as a universal part of skyrmion motion. In articulating the role of this mysterious Hall viscosity in skyrmion physics, this book guides readers through frontline, interdisciplinary research that encompasses high-energy physics, condensed matter, and materials science. It also provides the necessary background and physical clarity for advanced undergraduates to meaningfully explore its contents through mathematical expressions conveyed in both vector and index notations.