Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: We report on the influence of spin–orbit coupling (SOC) in governing spin-to-lattice energy conversion in ferrite nanoparticles (MnFe 2 O 4 , Fe 3 O 4 , and NiFe 2 O 4 ). Using infrared thermography, ferromagnetic resonance measurements, and numerical temperature-profile fitting based on an analytical thermal model, we successfully identify and clarify distinct energy conversion pathways. Specifically, we decompose the process into three sequential steps: field-to-spin energy transfer, spin precession and relaxation, and spin-to-lattice heat conversion. Our quantitative analysis reveals that spin-to-lattice conversion efficiencies are found to be approximately 21%, 18%, and 16% for the Fe, Ni, and Mn ferrites, respectively. These values closely follow the trends in the estimated Landé g-factors and SOC strengths. While SOC plays a dominant role in determining spin-to-lattice conversion efficiency, we emphasize that the total heat output also depends on intrinsic spin relaxation power, as evidenced from the high thermal response of MnFe 2 O 4 despite its relatively weaker SOC. Our findings provide a quantitative framework for understanding SOC-mediated spin-to-lattice thermal conversion and offer material design guidelines for spin-caloritronics, nanoscale thermal management, and energy dissipation applications.
Source: Scientific Reports
Authors: Yongsub Kim, Hyun An, Sang-Koog Kim
Institution: Seoul National University
Language: English
Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
Award: G2533522468
OpenAlex ID: W4416759225