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  • Letter
  • Open Access

Stochastic dynamics of skyrmions on a racetrack: Impact of equilibrium and nonequilibrium noise

Anton V. Hlushchenko1, Mykhailo I. Bratchenko1, and Aleksei V. Chechkin1,2,3,*

  • *Contact author: achechkin@mpi-halle.mpg.de
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Phys. Rev. B 113, L180407 – Published 18 May, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/73z4-ymkp

Abstract

Current-driven motion of domain walls and skyrmions is central to the operation of nonvolatile magnetic memory devices. Racetrack memory requires current densities high enough to generate velocities above 50 m/s, but such conditions also enhance spin-current noise. We develop a theoretical framework based on the stochastic Thiele equation to analyze the effects of equilibrium (thermal) and nonequilibrium (spin-current) fluctuations on skyrmion dynamics. From this approach, we derive diffusion coefficients and mean-squared displacements that quantify stochastic motion under both noise sources. Micromagnetic simulations and analytical results demonstrate that spin-current noise dominates skyrmion dynamics in typical racetrack structures up to room temperature. We further address the first-passage-time problem, obtaining the mean first-passage time and its standard deviation along and across the racetrack. These results quantify how random displacements affect skyrmion propagation and detection, providing insights into error sources in high-speed racetrack memory devices.

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Phys. Rev. B 113, L180407– Published 18 May, 2026
  • Received 23 December 2025
  • Revised 3 April 2026
  • Accepted 29 April 2026
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