Perturbation theory for propagating magnetic droplet solitons

Abstract

Droplet solitons are strongly nonlinear, inherently dynamic structures in the magnetization of ferromagnets, balancing dispersion (exchange energy) with focusing nonlinearity (strong perpendicular anisotropy). Large droplet solitons have the approximate form of a circular domain wall sustained by precession and, in contrast to single magnetic vortices, are predicted to propagate in an extended, homogeneous magnetic medium. In this work, multiscale perturbation theory is used to develop an analytical framework for investigating the impact of additional physical effects on the behaviour of a propagating droplet. After first developing soliton perturbation theory in the general context of Hamiltonian systems, a number of physical phenomena of current interest are investigated. These include droplet–droplet and droplet–boundary interactions, spatial magnetic field inhomogeneities, spin transfer torque induced forcing in a nanocontact device and damping. Their combined effects demonstrate the fundamental mechanisms for a previously observed droplet drift instability and under what conditions a slowly propagating droplet can be supported by the nanocontact, important considerations for applications. This framework emphasizes the particle-like dynamics of the droplet, providing analytically tractable and practical predictions for modern experimental configurations.