Magnetic skyrmions are a new form of magnetic ordering with whirlpool-like spin
arrangements. These topologically protected particlelike spin textures were first discovered
a decade ago in noncentrosymmetric magnetic materials. Confining magnetic skyrmions in
nanostructures leads to interesting fundamental insights into skyrmion stability and could
provide convenient platforms for potential practical applications of skyrmions in information
storage technology. In this research update, we summarize the recent advances on studying …