Year: 2021
Type: article
Abstract: We simulate scattering of electrons by a chain of antiferromagnetically coupled quantum Heisenberg spins, to analyze spin-transfer effects not described by the classical models of magnetism. Our simulations demonstrate efficient excitation of dynamical states that would be forbidden by the semiclassical symmetries, such as generation of multiple magnetic excitation quanta by a single electron. Furthermore, quantum interference of spin wave functions enables generation of magnetization dynamics with amplitudes exceeding the transferred magnetic moment. The efficiency of excitation is almost independent of the electron spin polarization, and is governed mainly by the transfer of energy. Nonclassical spin transfer may thus enable efficient electronic control of antiferromagnets not limited by the classical constraints.
Source: Physical Review Letters
Authors: Alexander Mitrofanov, Sergei Urazhdin
Institution: Emory University
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: U.S. Department of Energy
OpenAlex ID: W3087381982