Micromagnetic simulations of emergent monopole defects and magnetization reversal in connected and dipolar Square Artificial Spin Ice

Abstract

Artificial spin ice (ASI) structures have garnered significant attention due to their unique properties including emergent magnetic monopoles, phase transitions, and collective switching dynamics. In this study, we employ micromagnetic simulations to investigate the magnetic microstates and magnetization reversal dynamics of square ASI with varying connectivity. In particular, we explore an intermediate or a quasi-connected system where the connectivity is altered without significantly changing the strength of dipolar interactions through the introduction of narrow gaps at the vertices. Our results reveal distinct differences in the populations of different vertex types during magnetic reversal for lattices with varying connectivity. These results suggest the possibility of engineering ASI systems in which specific vertex types can be repeatably accessed through adjustments in lattice connectivity.