Hristo Velkov

My focus is on the magnetization dynamics in antiferromagnets. These are ordered magnetic materials with microscopically alternating magnetic moments and a zero net one. Antiferromagnets have a number of advantages over ferromagnets, most notably faster magnetization dynamics, insensitivity to disturbing magnetic fields and the absence of stray fields. Even though there is a long way to go, these materials have a strong potential of shaping the technology of the future.

I am currently studying magnetic skyrmions in generic antiferromagnets. There has been no experimental observation of antiferromagnetic skyrmions yet, however, theory allows for their existence. I am using a phenomenological and analytical approach to analyze the current-induced skyrmion motion in a particular class of antiferromagnets.

Publications

• “Phenomenology of current-induced skyrmion motion in antiferromagnets”. H. Velkov, O. Gomonay, M. Beens, G. Schwiete, A. Brataas, J. Sinova and R. A. Duine (New J. Phys. 18(2016) 075016)