Materials science

Ferromagnetism

Physics

Condensed matter physics

Spintronics

Nature Reviews Physics

As spins move through a chiral electric field, the resulting spin current can acquire chirality through a spin–orbit interaction. Such spin currents are highly useful in creating spin–orbit torques that can be used to manipulate chiral topological magnetic excitations, for example, chiral magnetic domain walls or skyrmions. When the chiral domain walls form composite domain walls, via an antiferromagnetic exchange coupling, novel phenomena, including an exchange coupling torque and domain wall drag, are observed. Here, we review recent progress in the generation and functionalities of spin currents derived from or acting on chiral structures. By bringing together advances in chiral molecules, chiral magnetic structures and chiral topological matter, we provide an outlook towards potential applications. Spin currents, which are generated by chiral structures, can be used to manipulate chiral topological magnetic excitations. This Review brings together advances in chiral molecules, chiral magnetic structures and chiral topological matter to provide an outlook towards potential applications.

Chiral spintronics