Driven magnetic skyrmions in a narrow channel

Using a particle-based model for skyrmions, we numerically investigate the ordering processes that take place when subjecting interacting skyrmions in a narrow channel to a drive. Due to the interplay of repulsive wall–skyrmion interaction, repulsive skyrmion–skyrmion interaction, and velocity-dependent Magnus force, skyrmions are arranged in lines with different densities. In this ordering process, the Magnus force plays a facilitating role that accelerates the formation of the ordered lines when starting from a disordered initial state. Besides constant drive, we also consider the situation where the drive is periodically switched on and off, which leads to skyrmions transitioning from one arrangement to another. During this rearrangement, the Magnus force is found to impede the relaxation process.