Intrinsic localized spin waves in classical one-dimensional spin systems: Studies of their interactions

Abstract

One-dimensional classical spin systems can support nonlinear excitations referred to as intrinsic localized spin-wave modes. These entities have internal frequencies which lie outside the spin-wave bands of linear theory, and are localized by virtue of the intrinsic nonlinearity present in spin systems. By numerical methods, we have explored collisions between these objects. We explore the influence of a defect on the spectrum of intrinsic nonlinear spin waves, to find a new class of modes localized at the defect. We also examine the interaction of a propagating nonlinear mode with the defect, to find rich behavior. The mode may be transmitted with no reflected component, trapped or reflected depending on the strength of the perturbation associated with the defect spin.