Precessional Dynamics Research Articles

Photocatalytic Magnetic Microgyroscopes with Activity-Tunable Precessional Dynamics.

Magnetic nano/microrotors are passive elements spinning around an axis due to an external rotating field while remaining confined to a plane. They have been used to date in different applications related to fluid mixing, drug delivery, or biomedicine. Here we realize an active version of a magnetic microgyroscope which is simultaneously driven by a photoactivated catalytic reaction and a rotating magnetic field. We investigate the uplift dynamics of this colloidal spinner when it precesses around its long axis while self-propelling due to the light induced decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in water. By combining experiments with theory, we show that activity emerging from the cooperative action of phoretic and osmotic forces effectively increases the gravitational torque, which counteracts the magnetic and viscous ones, and carefully measure its contribution. Finally, we demonstrate that by modulating the field amplitude, one can induce hysteresis loops in the uplift dynamics of the spinners.

Role of Spin Transport on Ultrafast Spin Dynamics in Magnetic Weyl Semimetal (Co2MnGa)/Pt Heterostructures with High Spin‐Mixing Conductance

AbstractMagnetic Weyl semimetals are emerging as a new class of material systems for spintronics due to their intrinsic topological properties and the inherent interplay between topology and magnetism, giving rise to novel electronic states and spin‐orbital‐related effects. Here, ultrafast magnetization dynamics in the Weyl semimetal Heusler ferromagnet Co2MnGa is investigated, from femtosecond to nanosecond timescales, using time‐resolved magneto‐optical Kerr effect (TR‐MOKE) at room temperature. Ultrafast demagnetization and precessional dynamics corresponding to the Kittel and perpendicular standing spin‐wave (PSSW) modes of Co2MnGa, interfaced with Pt thin films of varying thickness, have been investigated. The exchange stiffness constant of Co2MnGa is determined, as well as detailed information about spin‐transport across the Co2MnGa/Pt interface. From the modulation of Gilbert damping of Co2MnGa with Pt thickness, a very high intrinsic spin‐mixing conductance, G↑↓ = 1.73 × 1016 cm−2 is extracted of the interface and the spin diffusion length of Pt is determined to be 2.9 ± 0.2 nm. The interfacial spin transparency is found to reach a sizeable value of ≈83%, in the perfect spin‐sink regime, suggesting the great potential of this heterostructure for spin‐orbitronics and devices relying on ultrafast magnetization dynamics.

Unveiling antiferromagnetic resonance: A comprehensive analysis via the self-consistent harmonic approximation

The Self-Consistent Harmonic Approximation (SCHA) has demonstrated efficacy in discerning phase transitions and, more recently, in elucidating coherent phenomena within ferromagnetic systems. However, a notable gap in understanding arises when extending this framework to antiferromagnetic models. In this investigation, we employ the SCHA formalism to conduct an in-depth exploration of the Antiferromagnetic Resonance (AFMR) within both Antiferromagnetic (AF) and Spin-Flop (SF) phases. Our analysis includes thermodynamic considerations from both semiclassical and quantum perspectives, with comparisons drawn against contemporary experimental and theoretical data. By incorporating a treatment utilizing coherent states, we investigate the dynamics of magnetization precession, a fundamental aspect in comprehending various spintronic experiments. Notably, the SCHA demonstrates excellent agreement with existing literature, showcasing its simplicity and efficiency in describing AFMR characteristics, even close to the transition temperature.

Microscopic evaluation of spin and orbital moment in ferromagnetic resonance

Time-resolved X-ray magnetic circular dichroism under the effects of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), known as X-ray ferromagnetic resonance (XFMR) measurements, enables direct detection of precession dynamics of magnetic moment. Here we demonstrated XFMR measurements and Bayesian analyses as a quantitative probe for the precession of spin and orbital magnetic moments under the FMR effect. Magnetization precessions in two different Pt/Ni-Fe thin film samples were directly detected. Furthermore, the ratio of dynamical spin and orbital magnetic moments was evaluated quantitatively by Bayesian analyses for XFMR energy spectra around the Ni L2,3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$L_{2,3}$$\\end{document} absorption edges. Our study paves the way for a microscopic investigation of the contribution of the orbital magnetic moment to magnetization dynamics.

Eccentricity forcing on tropical ocean seasonality

Abstract. The amount of radiative energy received at the Earth's surface depends on two factors: Earth–Sun distance and sunlight angle. Because of the former, high-eccentricity cycles can induce the appearance of seasons in the tropical ocean. In this paper, we use the Earth system model IPSL-CM5A2 to investigate the response of the low-latitude ocean to variations in Earth's orbit eccentricity. Sea surface temperature (SST) and primary production (PP) were simulated under six precession configurations at high eccentricity and two configurations at low eccentricity, representing extreme configurations observed over the past 1 million years. Results show that high eccentricity leads to increased seasonality in low-latitude mean SST, with an annual thermal amplitude of approximately 2.2 °C (vs. 0.5 °C at low eccentricity). Low-latitude mean PP, which already exhibits inherent seasonality under low-eccentricity conditions, sees its seasonality largely increased under high eccentricity. As a consequence, we show that on long timescales the intensity of SST seasonality exhibits only the eccentricity frequency, whereas that of PP additionally follows precession dynamics. Furthermore, the seasonal variations in both SST and PP at high eccentricities are influenced by the annual placement of the perihelion with its direct impact of radiative energy received in tropical regions. This leads to a gradual and consistent transition of seasons within the calendar. We introduce the concept of “eccentriseasons”, referring to distinct annual thermal differences observed in tropical oceans under high-eccentricity conditions, which shift gradually throughout the calendar year. These findings have implications for understanding low-latitude climate phenomena such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and monsoons in the past.

Ferromagnetic resonance measurement with frequency modulation down to 2 K.

Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique to study the precessional dynamics of magnetization in thin film heterostructures. It provides valuable information about the mechanisms of exchange bias, spin angular momentum transfer across interfaces, and excitation of magnons. A key desirable feature of FMR spectrometers is the capability to study magnetization dynamics over a wide phase space of temperature (T), frequency (f), and magnetic field (B). The design, fabrication, and testing of such a spectrometer, which uses frequency modulation techniques for improved detection of microwave absorption, reduces heat load in the cryostat and allows simultaneous measurements of inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) induced dc voltages, is described in this paper. The apparatus is based on a 2-port transmitted microwave signal measurement using a grounded co-planar waveguide. The input radio frequency (RF) signal, frequency modulated at a tunable f-band, excites spin precession in the sample, and the attenuated RF signal is measured phase sensitively. The sample stage, inserted in the bore of a superconducting solenoid, allows magnetic field and temperature variability of 0 to ±5T and 2-310K, respectively. We demonstrate the working of this Cryo-FMR and ISHE spectrometer on thin films of Ni80Fe20 and Fe60Co20B20 over a wide T, B, and f phase space.

Polluting white dwarfs with Oort cloud comets

ABSTRACT Observations point to old white dwarfs (WDs) accreting metals at a relatively constant rate over 8 Gyr. Exo-Oort clouds around WDs have been proposed as potential reservoirs of materials, with galactic tide as a mechanism to deliver distant comets to the WD’s Roche limit. In this work, we characterize the dynamics of comets around a WD with a companion having semimajor axes on the orders of 10–100 au. We develop simulation techniques capable of integrating a large number (108) of objects over a 1 Gyr time-scale. Our simulations include galactic tide and are capable of resolving close interactions with a massive companion. Through simulations, we study the accretion rate of exo-Oort cloud comets into a WD’s Roche limit. We also characterize the dynamics of precession and scattering induced on a comet by a massive companion. We find that (i) WD pollution by an exo-Oort cloud can be sustained over a Gyr time-scale, (ii) an exo-Oort cloud with structure like our own Solar system’s is capable of delivering materials into an isolated WD with pollution rate ∼108 g s−1, (iii) adding a planetary-mass companion reduces the pollution rate to ∼107 g s−1, and (iv) if the companion is stellar mass, with Mp ≳ 0.1 M⊙, the pollution rate reduces to ∼3 × 105 g s−1 due to a combination of precession induced on a comet by the companion, a strong scattering barrier, and low likelihood of direct collisions of comets with the companion.

Tunability of Microwave Frequency Using Spin Torque Nano Oscillator by the Generated Oersted Field with Tunable Free Layer

The current-induced magnetization precession dynamics provoked by the spin transfer torque (STT) in a spin valve device i.e. tri-layer device (commonly spin torque nano oscillator (STNO)) is investigated numerically by solving the governing Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert–Slonczewski (LLGS) equation. In this study, we have devised an STNO device made of EuO-based ferromagnetic alloy in free and fixed magnetic layers. The copper acts as a nonmagnetic spacer. Here, we have introduced the current induced Oesterd field (CIOF), which is generated when a spin-polarized current passes through the STNO device. In the device, we have tuned the free layer angle [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] as an increment of [Formula: see text]. For every individual [Formula: see text] ranging from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], the generated Oersted field’s strength can be altered by increasing the STNO device’s diameter. Henceforth, it is apparent that the frequency tunability is achieved in the device for all the values of [Formula: see text]. The frequency and power of the device depend entirely on the material’s saturation magnetization, which inherently reflects the current density and coherence of spin-polarized DC. From the results, it is apparent that for a particular [Formula: see text], the frequency keeps increasing with the eventual decrease in power when we increase the strength of the Oersted field from 10[Formula: see text]kA/m to 50[Formula: see text]kA/m. By doing so, the maximum frequency can be tuned up to 212[Formula: see text]GHz for [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] as 50[Formula: see text]kA/m. The high frequency emitted by the device acts as a linchpin ingredient, as well as a launch pad element in much of scientific and technological point of view. It paves way for a new route in the areas such as high capacity, high precision, high density as well as the sensing applications.

Ultrafast laser-induced precession dynamics in perpendicular artificial ferrimagnetic [D022-Mn3Ga/Co2MnSi]5 superlattices

Artificial ferrimagnetic [D022-Mn3Ga/Co2MnSi]N superlattices ([Mn3Ga/CMS]N SLs) combining perpendicular magnetic anisotropy as well as exceptional thermal and magnetic stability hold promises in functional spintronic devices. However, the relevant precession dynamics are still lacking. Here, we report on the magnetic dynamic properties in [Mn3Ga/CMS]5 SLs investigated by the time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect (TRMOKE) measurements. The magnetization precession process and magnetic damping constant (α0) of [Mn3Ga/CMS]5 SLs rely heavily on the thickness of Mn3Ga layer (tMn3Ga). In addition, α0 is found to be higher with increasing tMn3Ga, but is not simply scaled by the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy (Ku), which can be ascribed to the contribution of spin–orbit interaction combined with the additional contributions, like spin-pumping. Furthermore, a large Ku value of 1.33 Merg/cm3 and a low α0 of 0.022 have been simultaneously obtained in [Mn3Ga/CMS]5 SL with tMn3Ga = 1.5 nm. This study contributes to the design of high-performance spintronic devices based on [Mn3Ga/CMS]N SLs.

Microwave frequency tunability via heterogeneous Oersted field tilted polarizer based spin torque nano oscillator

Here, we have devised a heterogeneous-based Tilted Polarizer [TP] Spin Torque Nano Oscillator [STNO] along with the consideration of the Current Induced Oersted Field [CIOF]. The magnetization precession dynamics governed by Spin Transfer Torque [STT] are studied by solving Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski [LLGS] equation numerically. Here, β refers to an independent tilt angle of the pinned layer, and θ refers to an angle between the free layer magnetization and the easy axis of the device, respectively. The device emits a maximum frequency of about 77.5 GHz and PSD of 1.3 µW/mA2/GHz with 50 kA/m as the strength of CIOF. The author sparks that the modeled OE TP STNO device applies to High-Frequency applications and paves the way for forthcoming spintronic devices in the future.

Secular dipole-dipole stability of magnetic binaries

Context. The presence of strong large-scale stable magnetic fields in a significant portion of early-type stars, white dwarfs, and neutron stars is well established. Despite this, the origins of these fields remain a subject of ongoing investigation, with theories including fossil fields, mergers, and shear-driven dynamos. One potential key for understanding the formation of these fields could lie in the connection between magnetism and binarity. Indeed, magnetism can play a significant role in the long-term orbital and precessional dynamics of binary systems. In gravitational wave astronomy, the advanced sensitivity of upcoming interferometric detectors such as LISA and the Einstein Telescope will enable the characterisation of the orbital inspirals of compact systems, including their magnetic properties. A comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of magnetism in these systems is necessary for the interpretation of the gravitational wave signals and to avoid bi the wdes in the calibration of instruments. This knowledge can additionally be used to create new magnetic population models and provide insight into the nature and origins of their internal magnetic fields. Aims. The aim of this study is to investigate the secular spin precession dynamics of binary systems under pure magnetic dipole-dipole interactions, with a focus on stars with strong, stable, and predominantly dipolar fields. Methods. We employed an orbit-averaging procedure for the spin precession equations from which we derived an effective secular description. By minimising the magnetic interaction energy of the system, we obtained the configurations of spin equilibrium and their respective stabilities. Finally, we also derived a set of conditions required for the validity of our assumptions to hold. Results. We show that among the four states of equilibrium, there is a single secular state that is globally stable, corresponding to the configuration where the spin and magnetic axes of one star are reversed with respect to the companions’, and orthogonal to the orbital plane. Our results are compared to traditional methods of finding instantaneous states of equilibrium, in which orbital motion is generally neglected. Finally, we provide analytical solutions in the neighbourhood of the stable configuration, which can be used to derive secular orbital evolution in the context of gravitational wave astronomy.

A two-color dual-comb system for time-resolved measurements of ultrafast magnetization dynamics using triggerless asynchronous optical sampling.

We report on an Er-doped fiber (EDF)-laser-based dual-comb system that allows us to perform triggerless asynchronous optical sampling pump-probe measurements of ultrafast demagnetization and spin precession in magnetic materials. Because the oscillation frequencies of the two frequency-comb light sources are highly stabilized, the pulse-to-pulse timing jitter is sufficiently suppressed, and data accumulation without any trigger signals is possible. To effectively induce spin precession in ferromagnetic thin films, the spectral bandwidth of the output of one of the EDF frequency comb sources is broadened by a highly nonlinear fiber and then amplified at a wavelength of about 1030nm by a Yb-doped fiber amplifier. The output of the other frequency comb source is converted to about 775nm by second harmonic generation. We used this system to observe ultrafast demagnetization and spin precession dynamics on the picosecond and nanosecond time scales in a permalloy thin film. This time-domain spectroscopy system is promising for the rapid characterization of spin-wave generation and propagation dynamics in magnetic materials.

X-ray detected ferromagnetic resonance techniques for the study of magnetization dynamics

Element-specific spectroscopies using synchrotron-radiation can provide unique insights into materials properties. The recently developed technique of X-ray detected ferromagnetic resonance (XFMR) allows studying the magnetization dynamics of magnetic spin structures. Magnetic sensitivity in XFMR is obtained from the X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) effect, where the phase of the magnetization precession of each magnetic layer with respect to the exciting radio frequency is obtained using stroboscopic probing of the spin precession. Measurement of both amplitude and phase response in the magnetic layers as a function of bias field can give a clear signature of spin-transfer torque (STT) coupling between ferromagnetic layers due to spin pumping. In the last few years, there have been new developments utilizing X-ray scattering techniques to reveal the precessional magnetization dynamics of ordered spin structures in the GHz frequency range. The techniques of diffraction and reflectometry ferromagnetic resonance (DFMR and RFMR) provide novel ways for the probing of the dynamics of chiral and multilayered magnetic materials, thereby accessing key information relevant to the engineering and development of high-density and low-energy consumption data processing solutions.

Ultrafast heat-assisted magnetization dynamics in a ferrimagnetic insulator

Ultrafast laser-induced heating of ferrimagnetic iron garnet in an external magnetic field triggers magnetization precessional dynamics with a large amplitude. The dynamics is studied as a function of magnetic field, laser fluence, and sample temperature. Exploring the three-dimensional space of these parameters experimentally and computationally, we identify the conditions for which the amplitude of the precession is the largest and even achieves values sufficient for magnetic recording. We found that the range of external magnetic fields and temperatures, which corresponds to the magnetic recording, is rather narrow. Modeling the dynamics, using magnetization as a macroscopic parameter, reveals that this range of parameters is defined by the optimal height of the potential barrier separating two stable states. The barrier needs to be low enough to allow the switching but not so low that the stability of the states is lost.

Thermally induced all-optical ferromagnetic resonance in thin YIG films

All-optical ferromagnetic resonance (AO-FMR) is a powerful tool for the local detection of micromagnetic parameters, such as magnetic anisotropy, Gilbert damping or spin stiffness. In this work we demonstrate that the AO-FMR method can be used in thin films of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) if a metallic capping layer (Au, Pt) is deposited on top of the film. Magnetization precession is triggered by heating of the metallic layer with femtosecond laser pulses. The heat pulse modifies the magneto-crystalline anisotropy of the YIG film and shifts the quasi-equilibrium orientation of the magnetization, which results in precessional magnetization dynamics. The laser-induced magnetization precession corresponds to a uniform (Kittel) magnon mode, with the precession frequency determined by the magnetic anisotropy of the material as well as the external magnetic field, and the damping time set by a Gilbert damping parameter. The AO-FMR method thus enables measuring local magnetic properties, with a resolution given by the laser spot size.

Parametrized post-Einsteinian framework for precessing binaries

In general relativity, isolated black holes obey the no hair theorems, which fix the multipolar structure of their exterior spacetime. However, in modified gravity, or when the compact objects are not black holes, the exterior spacetime may have a different multipolar structure. When two black holes are in a binary, this multipolar structure determines the morphology of the dynamics of orbital and spin precession. In turn, the precession dynamics imprint onto the gravitational waves emitted by an inspiraling compact binary through specific amplitude and phase modulations. The detection and characterization of these amplitude and phase modulations can therefore lead to improved constraints on fundamental physics with gravitational waves. Recently, analytic precessing waveforms were calculated in two scenarios: (i) dynamical Chern-Simons gravity, where the no-hair theorems are violated, and (ii) deformed compact objects with generic mass quadrupole moments. In this work, we use these two examples to propose an extension of the parameterized post-Einsteinian~(ppE) framework to include precession effects. The new framework contains $2n$ ppE parameters $(\mathscr{b}^{\rm ppE}_{(m',n)}, b^{\rm ppE}_{(m',n)})$ for the waveform phase, and $2n$ ppE parameters $(\mathscr{a}^{\rm ppE}_{(m',n)}, a^{\rm ppE}_{(m',n)})$ for the waveform amplitudes. The number of ppE corrections $n$ corresponds to the minimum number of harmonics necessary to achieve a given likelihood threshold when comparing the truncated ppE waveform with the exact one, and $(m',n)$ corresponds to the harmonic numbers of the harmonics containing ppE parameters. We show explicitly how these ppE parameters map to the specific example waveforms discussed above. The proposed ppE framework can serve as a basis for future tests of general relativity with gravitational waves from precessing binaries.

All-optical nonlinear chiral ultrafast magnetization dynamics driven by circularly polarized magnetic fields

Abstract Ultrafast laser pulses provide unique tools to manipulate magnetization dynamics at femtosecond timescales, where the interaction of the electric field usually dominates over the magnetic field. Recent proposals using structured laser beams have demonstrated the possibility to produce regions where intense oscillating magnetic fields are isolated from the electric field. In these conditions, we show that technologically feasible tesla-scale circularly polarized high-frequency magnetic fields induce purely precessional nonlinear magnetization dynamics. This fundamental result not only opens an avenue in the study of laser-induced ultrafast magnetization dynamics, but also sustains technological implications as a route to promote all-optical non-thermal magnetization dynamics both at shorter timescales – towards the sub-femtosecond regime – and at THz frequencies.

Ultrashort spin–orbit torque generated by femtosecond laser pulses

To realize the very objective of spintronics, namely the development of ultra-high frequency and energy-efficient electronic devices, an ultrafast and scalable approach to switch magnetic bits is required. Magnetization switching with spin currents generated by the spin–orbit interaction at ferromagnetic/non-magnetic interfaces is one of such scalable approaches, where the ultimate switching speed is limited by the Larmor precession frequency. Understanding the magnetization precession dynamics induced by spin–orbit torques (SOTs) is therefore of great importance. Here we demonstrate generation of ultrashort SOT pulses that excite Larmor precession at an epitaxial Fe/GaAs interface by converting femtosecond laser pulses into high-amplitude current pulses in an electrically biased p-i-n photodiode. We control the polarity, amplitude, and duration of the current pulses and, most importantly, also their propagation direction with respect to the crystal orientation. The SOT origin of the excited Larmor precession was revealed by a detailed analysis of the precession phase and amplitude at different experimental conditions.

Precession of magnetars: dynamical evolutions and modulations on polarized electromagnetic waves

ABSTRACT Magnetars are conjectured to be highly magnetized neutron stars (NSs). Strong internal magnetic field and elasticity in the crust may deform the stars and lead to free precession. We study the precession dynamics of triaxially deformed NSs incorporating the near-field and the far-field electromagnetic torques. We obtain timing residuals for different NS geometries and torques. We also investigate the polarized X-ray and radio signals from precessing magnetars. The modulations on the Stokes parameters are obtained for thermal X-rays emitted from the surface of magnetars. For radio signals, we apply the simple rotating vector model (RVM) to give the modulations on the position angle (PA) of the polarization. Our results are comprehensive, ready to be used to search for magnetar precession with timing data and polarizations of X-ray and radio emissions. Future observations of precessing magnetars will give us valuable information on the geometry and the strength of the strong magnetic fields, the emission geometry, as well as the equation of state of NSs.

Precession-induced nonclassicality of the free induction decay of NV centers by a dynamical polarized nuclear spin bath

The ongoing exploration of the ambiguous boundary between the quantum and the classical worlds has spurred substantial developments in quantum science and technology. Recently, the nonclassicality of dynamical processes has been proposed from a quantum-information-theoretic perspective, in terms of witnessing nonclassical correlations with Hamiltonian ensemble simulations. To acquire insights into the quantum-dynamical mechanism of the process nonclassicality, here we propose to investigate the nonclassicality of the electron spin free-induction-decay process associated with an NV− center. By controlling the nuclear spin precession dynamics via an external magnetic field and nuclear spin polarization, it is possible to manipulate the dynamical behavior of the electron spin, showing a transition between classicality and nonclassicality. We propose an explanation of the classicality–nonclassicality transition in terms of the nuclear spin precession axis orientation and dynamics. We have also performed a series of numerical simulations supporting our findings. Consequently, we can attribute the nonclassical trait of the electron spin dynamics to the behavior of nuclear spin precession dynamics.