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At least 91 records · Page 5

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DOE OSTI2021

Wave-driven torques to drive current and rotation

In the classic Landau damping initial value problem, where a planar electrostatic wave transfers energy and momentum to resonant electrons, a recoil reaction occurs in the nonresonant particles to ensure momentum conservation. To explain how net current can be driven in spite of this conservation, the literature often appeals to mechanisms that transfer this nonresonant recoil momentum to ions, which carry negligible current. However, this explanation does not allow the transport of net charge across magnetic field lines, precluding E X B rotation drive. In this study, we show that in steady state, this picture of current drive is incomplete. Using a simple Fresnel model of the plasma, we show that for lower hybrid waves, the electromagnetic energy flux (Poynting vector) and momentum flux (Maxwell stress tensor) associated with the evanescent vacuum wave become the Minkowski energy flux and momentum flux in the plasma and are ultimately transferred to resonant particles. Thus, the torque delivered to the resonant particles is ultimately supplied by the electromagnetic torque from the antenna, allowing the nonresonant recoil response to vanish and rotation to be driven. We present a warm fluid model that explains how this momentum conservation works out locally, via a Reynolds stress that does not appear in the one-dimensional initial value problem. This model is the simplest that can capture both the nonresonant recoil reaction in the initial-value problem, and the absence of a nonresonant recoil in the steady-state boundary value problem, thus forbidding rotation drive in the former while allowing it in the latter.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

DOE OSTI2024

Torques within and outside the human spindle balance twist at anaphase

At each cell division, nanometer-scale motors and microtubules give rise to the micron-scale spindle. Many mitotic motors step helically around microtubules in vitro, and most are predicted to twist the spindle in a left-handed direction. However, the human spindle exhibits only slight global twist, raising the question of how these molecular torques are balanced. Here, we find that anaphase spindles in the epithelial cell line MCF10A have a high baseline twist, and we identify factors that both increase and decrease this twist. The midzone motors KIF4A and MKLP1 are together required for left-handed twist at anaphase, and we show that KIF4A generates left-handed torque in vitro. The actin cytoskeleton also contributes to left-handed twist, but dynein and its cortical recruitment factor LGN counteract it. Together, our work demonstrates that force generators regulate twist in opposite directions from both within and outside the spindle, preventing strong spindle twist during chromosome segregation.

Cell Biology↗

DOE OSTI2021

The 20-nm Skyrmion Generated at Room Temperature by Spin-Orbit Torques

The discovery of magnetic skyrmions provides a promising pathway for developing functional spintronic memory and logic devices. Towards the future high-density memory application, nanoscale skyrmions with miniaturized diameters, ideally down to 20 nm are required. Using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism transmission microscopy, nanoscale skyrmions are observed in the [Pt/Co/Ir] 15 multilayer at room temperature. In particular, small skyrmions with minimum diameters approaching 20 nm could be generated by the current-induced spin-orbit torques. Through implementing material specific parameters, the dynamic process of skyrmion generation is further investigated by performing micromagnetic simulations. According to the simulation results, we find that both the tube-like Néel-type skyrmions and the bobber-like Néel-type skyrmions can be electrically generated. In particular, the size of the bobber-like Néel-type skyrmions can be effectively reduced by the spin-orbit torques, which leads to the formation of 20 nm Néel-type skyrmions. In conclusion, our findings could be important for understanding the formation dynamics of nanoscale Néel-type spin textures, skyrmions and bobber in particular, which could also be useful for promoting nanoscale skyrmionic memories and logic devices.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Rapid assessment of REBCO CC angular critical current density J c (B, T = 4.2 K, θ) using torque magnetometry up to at least 30 tesla

Abstract Detailed design of REBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − x (REBCO)-based magnets ideally relies on knowledge of the full angular and wide temperature range characterization of the critical current I c of the REBCO coated conductors (CC) at high magnetic fields. In practice, however, obtaining I c ( B , T , θ ) data by the commonly used electrical transport technique is expensive, tedious, and difficult, due to high critical current values that exceed 2000 A for B | | a b -plane ( θ = 90 deg). The conductors are often damaged during angular transport measurements at angles approaching the ab -plane. Therefore, so far, REBCO magnets have been designed without full I c ( B , T , θ ) data sets. Here, we present J c ( B , T , θ ) results for more than twenty samples of CC all made to the same advanced pinning specification produced by SuperPower Inc. For this, we employed torque magnetometry, benchmarking the results to transport I c measurements mostly made away from ab -plane, finding good agreement with scaling factors ≈1–1.3. What is striking is the huge variety of properties exhibited by the samples, even for CC made recently. Given the huge attention now being paid to the effects of screening currents and to the torques generated by offsets between the tape plane and the local magnetic field vector, our data set suggests some caution in detailed design of such magnets without having data of the type presented here.

Physics↗

DOE OSTI2026

Electronic structure of the kagome compound CaTi 3⁢ Bi 4 using high-field torque magnetometry and density functional theory

Here, we report systematic torque magnetometry measurements to investigate the electronic properties of the newly discovered kagome compound CaTi 3 ⁢Bi 4 . Electrical transport, magnetic susceptibility, and thermal measurements reveal no evidence of a magnetic ground state in this material. Torque data obtained in magnetic fields up to 41.5 T exhibit clear de Haas–van Alphen (dHvA) oscillations, with nine distinct frequencies ranging from 13 to 6164 T. Angular-dependent dHvA measurements show that, with the exception of the lowest frequency (13 T), all observed frequencies nearly follow a 1/cos ⁡𝜃 dependence, where 𝜃 is the angle between the crystallographic 𝑐 axis and the magnetic field direction. This behavior is characteristic of quasi-two-dimensional Fermi-surface sheets with nearly circular cross sections. To further elucidate the electronic structure, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the band structure and Fermi surface. The calculated bands reveal the presence of multiple Dirac points (DP), flat bands (FB), and van Hove singularities (VHS) near the Fermi level. The resulting Fermi surface consists of several quasi-two-dimensional cylindrical sheets, consistent with the experimentally observed 1/cos⁡ 𝜃 dependence. Notably, the theoretical dHvA frequencies, derived from extremal Fermi-surface cross-sectional areas, agree well with the experimental values and reproduce their angular dependence. Remarkably, all experimentally observed frequencies are captured by the DFT predictions. Pressure-dependent calculations up to 10 GPa show that the electronic features—DP, FB, and VHS—evolve systematically with pressure. In particular, the VHS shifts closer to the Fermi level, demonstrating that pressure acts as an effective tuning parameter in this material. These combined experimental and theoretical results provide a comprehensive understanding of the electronic structure of CaTi 3 ⁢Bi 4 and demonstrate how pressure can be used to tune its key electronic features, offering valuable guidance for exploring related kagome materials.

Shtefiienko, Kyryl [West Texas A & M University, C↗

DOE OSTI2023

Magnetization dynamics with time-dependent spin-density functional theory: Significance of exchange-correlation torques

In spin-density functional theory (SDFT) for noncollinear magnetic materials, the Kohn-Sham system features exchange-correlation (xc) scalar potentials and magnetic fields. The significance of the xc magnetic fields is not very well explored; in particular, they can give rise to local torques on the magnetization, which are absent in standard local and semilocal approximations. Here, exact benchmark solutions for a five-site extended Hubbard lattice at half filling and in the presence of spin-orbit coupling are compared with SDFT results obtained using orbital-dependent exchange-only approximations. The magnetization dynamics following short-pulse excitations is found to be reasonably well described in the exchange-only approximation for weak to moderate interactions. For stronger interactions and near transitions between magnetically ordered and frustrated phases, exchange and correlation torques tend to compensate each other and must both be accounted for.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2025

Electronic structure of the kagome metal YbTi 3 Bi 4 studied using torque magnetometry

This study investigates the electronic structure of the kagome metal YbTi 3 ⁢Bi 4 using high-field torque magnetometry. The torque signal measured at a maximum field of 41.5 T reveals clear de Haas–van Alphen (dHvA) oscillations with a major frequency peak at F δ ~ 130 T. By rotating the sample at various tilt angles Θ, we observed that F δ exhibits a nearly 1/cos⁡Θ dependence, indicating the presence of a quasi-two-dimensional (2D) Fermi surface (FS) in YbTi 3 ⁢Bi 4 . This argument is further supported by the detection of a forward-leaning, sawtoothlike waveform in the dHvA effect, a hallmark of 2D FS characteristics. Notably, we identified two high-frequency peaks near F χ ~ 1900 T and F λ ~ 5600 T; however, these peaks quickly disappear at Θ greater than 21°. To better understand experimental observations, we computed the electronic band structure and FS using ab initio density-functional theory (DFT). The electronic bands reveal the presence of several Dirac points, flat bands, and van Hove singularities near the Fermi level. Five bands cross the Fermi level and contribute to the FS of this material. The FS comprises cylindrical sheets, with theoretical frequencies from the FS pockets aligning well with the experimental dHvA frequencies. Several FS parameters characterizing F δ were determined by analyzing the temperature and field dependence of the dHvA oscillations using the Lifshitz-Kosevich theory. Further, the detailed electronic properties presented in this work provide critical insights into the electronic structure of YbTi 3 ⁢Bi 4 and other titanium-based kagome compounds.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

DOE OSTI2022

Microscopic description of the torque acting on fission fragments

When two fragments are created in a fission decay, any torque due to nuclear and Coulomb interaction can change the fragment's angular momentum. This paper explores the character and magnitude of the angular momentum as a function of the initial conditions around the scission point using the time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory. To understand the torque acting on the fragments, the Frozen Hartree-Fock method is also used to determine the collective potential at scission. Two 240 Pu fission channels ( 132 Sn + 108 Ru and 144 Ba + 96 Sr) are studied. Further, these two channels cover different shapes (spherical, quadrupole, and octupole deformation) of the fragments. It is found that the angular momentum generated by the Coulomb interaction after fission is mainly collective, while this is not the case for the angular momentum generated at scission. The competition between rotational modes (bending, wriggling, and twisting) is discussed and shows that the angular momentum is generated mainly perpendicular to the fission axis.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2021

Friction testing and torque sensing systems

The present invention relates, in part, to systems for characterizing force (e.g., friction, wear, and/or torque). In one embodiment, the system allows for wear testing of samples in a high throughput manner. In another embodiment, the system allows for torque sensing in a non-contact manner.

Nation, Brendan L.↗

DOE OSTI2023

Friction testing and torque sensing systems

Nation, Brendan L.↗

DOE OSTI2022

Spin-Transfer-Torque Oscillator with an Antiferromagnetic Exchange-Coupled Composite Free Layer

We present an antiferromagnetically exchange-coupled composite (soft and hard layers) spin torque oscillator (AF-ECC STO) and demonstrate its operation via both analytical and micromagnetic modeling. The operation exploits the exchange field due to the antiferromagnetic coupling between soft and hard sublayers of the free layer as well as on the easy-plane anisotropy of the soft sublayer. Optimized AF-ECC STO structures can generate large-amplitude magnetization oscillations, which can be tuned over a broad frequency range with precessions mostly generated by the soft layer. We demonstrate that the AF-ECC STO structure offers flexibility in current control of the oscillation frequency and magnetization angle for realistic material parameters.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2022

Quantum Sensing and Imaging of Spin–Orbit-Torque-Driven Spin Dynamics in the Non-Collinear Antiferromagnet Mn 3 Sn

Novel non-collinear antiferromagnets with spontaneous time-reversal symmetry breaking, non-trivial band topology, and unconventional transport properties have received immense research interest over the past decade due to their rich physics and enormous promise in technological applications. One of the central focuses in this emerging field is exploring the relationship between the microscopic magnetic structure and exotic material properties. Nanoscale imaging of both spin–orbit-torque-induced deterministic magnetic switching and chiral spin rotation in non-collinear antiferromagnet Mn 3 Sn films using nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers are reported. Direct evidence of the off-resonance dipole–dipole coupling between the spin dynamics in Mn 3 Sn and proximate NV centers is also demonstrated by NV relaxometry measurements. These results demonstrate the unique capabilities of NV centers in accessing the local information of the magnetic order and dynamics in these emergent quantum materials and suggest new opportunities for investigating the interplay between topology and magnetism in a broad range of topological magnets.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2023

Exchange Bias Between van der Waals Materials: Tilted Magnetic States and Field-Free Spin–Orbit-Torque Switching

Magnetic van der Waals heterostructures provide a unique platform to study magnetism and spintronics device concepts in the 2D limit. Here, studies of exchange bias from the van der Waals antiferromagnet CrSBr acting on the van der Waals ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) are reported. Additionally, the orientation of the exchange bias is along the in-plane easy axis of CrSBr, perpendicular to the out-of-plane anisotropy of the FGT, inducing a strongly tilted magnetic configuration in the FGT. Furthermore, the in-plane exchange bias provides sufficient symmetry breaking to allow deterministic spin–orbit torque switching of the FGT in CrSBr/FGT/Pt samples at zero applied magnetic field. A minimum thickness of the CrSBr of >10 nm is needed to provide a non-zero exchange bias at 30 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

Highly Efficient Room‐Temperature Spin‐Orbit‐Torque Switching in a Van der Waals Heterostructure of Topological Insulator and Ferromagnet

Abstract All‐Van der Waals (vdW)‐material‐based heterostructures with atomically sharp interfaces offer a versatile platform for high‐performing spintronic functionalities at room temperature. One of the key components is vdW topological insulators (TIs), which can produce a strong spin‐orbit‐torque (SOT) through the spin‐momentum locking of their topological surface state (TSS). However, the relatively low conductance of the TSS introduces a current leakage problem through the bulk states of the TI or the adjacent ferromagnetic metal layers, reducing the interfacial charge‐to‐spin conversion efficiency ( q ICS ). Here, a vdW heterostructure is used consisting of atomically‐thin layers of a bulk‐insulating TI Sn‐doped Bi 1.1 Sb 0.9 Te 2 S 1 and a room‐temperature ferromagnet Fe 3 GaTe 2, to enhance the relative current ratio on the TSS up to ≈20%. The resulting q ICS reaches ≈1.65 nm −1 and the critical current density J c ≈0.9 × 10 6 Acm −2 at 300 K, surpassing the performance of TI‐based and heavy‐metal‐based SOT devices. These findings demonstrate that an all‐vdW heterostructure with thickness optimization offers a promising platform for efficient current‐controlled magnetization switching at room temperature.

2D ferromagnet↗

DOE OSTI2022

Accurate hydrodynamic force and torque correlations for prolate spheroids from Stokes regime to high Reynolds numbers

Detailed simulations of flow around various prolate spheroids are performed using multi-relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The simulations are performed in the Reynolds numbers range 0.1 ≤ Re ≤ 2000 at different incident angles 0°≤ φ ≤ 90° for various prolate spheroids of aspect ratios 1 ≤ λ ≤ 8. The Re is based on the volume equivalent sphere diameter. From the simulations, accurate correlations for average drag, lift and torque coefficients (C D , C L , and C T respectively) are proposed. The mean deviations between the correlations and the simulation data for C D , C L , and C T are 2%, 6.5%, and 4.7% respectively. Furthermore, the correlations are fitted with the physics in mind such that they can be extrapolated beyond the regimes simulated. The fits are designed such that correlations reduce to analytical (C D and C L ) solutions available for prolate spheroids in the limit Re ≈ 0. At high Re, the correlations mimic the asymptotic flattening of C D as for spheres and therefore, we expect the correlations to be valid until the critical Re (≈ 10 5 ). Furthermore, extensive comparison of our correlations with other high-fidelity simulations from literature demonstrate the accuracy of our work compared to other correlations from literature. This work enables researchers to perform accurate unresolved Euler-Lagrangian simulations for a wide range of elongated particles.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2023

Control of magnon–photon coupling by spin torque

We demonstrate the influence of damping and field-like torques in the magnon–photon coupling process by classically integrating the generalized Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation with RLC equation in which a phase correlation between dynamic magnetization and microwave current through combined Ampère and Faraday effects are considered. We show that the gap between two hybridized modes can be controlled in samples with damping parameter in the order of 10 –3 by changing the direction of the dc current density J if a certain threshold is reached. Furthermore, our results suggest that an experimental realization of the proposed magnon–photon coupling control mechanism is feasible in yttrium iron garnet/Pt hybrid structures.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2020

Spin orbit torque switching of synthetic Co/Ir/Co trilayers with perpendicular anisotropy and tunable interlayer coupling

Spin orbit torque (SOT) has attracted much attention as an energy efficient electrical method to switch the magnetization in single magnetic layer with both in-plane and perpendicular anisotropy. Here, we report SOT switching of synthetic antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic Co/Ir/Co trilayers, where the net magnetization and the interlayer coupling strength are highly controllable. Here, a weak external field dependence of the SOT switching was observed due to the robust domain wall structure in the trilayer. The switching current density was observed to scale inversely with the net magnetization. For trilayers with the same net magnetization, switching current is independent of the layer order because switching in the thicker Co layer dominates. In both ferromagnetic and antiferromagetic regimes, the switching current reflects the interlayer coupling strength.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2020

Spin–orbit torques in structures with asymmetric dusting layers

Current-induced spin–orbit torques (SOTs) in heavy metal/ferromagnet heterostructures have emerged as an efficient method for magnetization switching with applications in nonvolatile magnetic memory and logic devices. However, experimental realization of SOT switching of perpendicular magnetization requires an additional inversion symmetry breaking, calling for modifications of the conventional SOT heterostructures. In this work, we study SOTs and deterministic switching of perpendicular magnetization by inserting different asymmetric dusting layers at the heavy metal/ferromagnet interface. Similar to the previous works with lateral structural asymmetry, we study the emergence of current-induced perpendicular effective magnetic fields (H z eff ). By examining three different material combinations of heavy metal/dusting layers (W/IrMn, Pt/IrMn, and W/Ta), we shed light on the origins of H z eff ; we show that H z eff is generically created in all the studied asymmetric structures, has a close correlation with the interfacial magnetic anisotropy, and is independent of the signs of spin Hall angles of the materials. Furthermore, we show that the induction of H z eff enables field-free deterministic SOT switching of perpendicular magnetization. Our results can be used in designing SOT heterostructures for practical applications in nonvolatile technologies.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗