Colloquium: Quantum properties and functionalities of magnetic skyrmions

Skyrmions are topological field configurations that were first discussed in the context of high-energy theory. In recent years, skyrmionic spin patterns in solid-state systems have received much attention, in part for their promising application potential. This Colloquium discusses quantum-mechanical aspects of such magnetic skyrmions, both for the interactions that underlie skyrmion formation and for quantum features of the skyrmions themselves.