Generation of propagating backward volume spin waves by phase-sensitive mode conversion in two-dimensional microstructures

Abstract

We present the generation of propagating backward volume (BV) spin waves in a T shaped Ni81Fe19 microstructure. These waves are created from counterpropagating Damon Eshbach spin waves, which are excited using microstrip antennas. By employing Brillouin light scattering microscopy, we show how the phase relation between the counterpropagating waves determines the mode generated in the center of the structure, and prove its propagation inside the longitudinally magnetized part of the T shaped microstructure. This gives access to the effective generation of backward volume spin waves with full control over the generated transverse mode.