Skyrmions open a door to next-level data storage

Knots in magnetic materials could one day make for faster, sturdier, tinier electronics

skyrmion illustration

MAGNETIC KNOTS  A skyrmion is a swirl (red) among the atoms of a magnetic material. Here, cones point in the direction of each atom’s magnetization. Skyrmions come in several types; this one, a Néel skyrmion, is found in thin materials.

Ella Maru Studio

Like sailors and spelunkers, physicists know the power of a sturdy knot.