Dance of Ions: How Quantum Vortices Are Born ⚡ экспресс
Researchers have for the first time deterministically created topological spin textures—skyrmions (vortex-like magnetic structures)—in a two-dimensional crystal of over 150 trapped ions. Using globally applied spin-dependent forces, they shaped skyrmion configurations and reconstructed the full spin vector field with single-ion resolution. The key parameter—the winding number—was 0.99±0.02, and the local reproduction fidelity reached 87%. They also demonstrated control of individual ions to create domain walls. This platform paves the way for exploring non-equilibrium dynamics in long-range interacting systems, much like a swirling dance of particles coalescing into a stable vortex.
In a field trap, scientists assembled a crystal — 150 ions at ultra-low temperature. Each ion behaves like a tiny magnet, capable of rotating in any direction. By controlling forces that depend on this rotation, physicists made all the magnets swirl into a common vortex called a skyrmion. This whirl, resembling a miniature galactic arm, has a spiral structure.
To see the pattern, the ions were illuminated with a laser — a spectroscopy method. If a particle glowed, its orientation was known. The reconstructed vortex turned out to be almost perfect: the winding number is 0.99 (for an ideal vortex it's 1.0). The accuracy of the spin pattern reproduction is 87%.
Scientists also created domain walls — boundaries between differently magnetized regions. The platform opens the way to studying systems where particles influence each other at a distance.
🎯 The name 'skyrmion' comes from British physicist Tony Skyrme, who proposed these vortices as a model for nuclear forces in the 1960s.