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At least 127 records · Page 7

Coherent spin wave excitation with radio-frequency spin–orbit torque

Spin waves, collective perturbations of magnetic moments, are both fundamental probes for magnetic physics and promising candidates for energy-efficient signal processing and computation. Traditionally, coherent propagating spin waves have been generated by radio frequency (RF) inductive Oersted fields from current-carrying electrodes. An alternative mechanism, spin–orbit torque (SOT), offers more localized excitation through interfacial spin accumulation but has been mostly limited to DC to kHz frequencies. SOT driven by RF currents, with potentially enhanced pumping efficiency and unique spin dynamics, remains largely unexplored, especially in magnetic insulators. Here, we conduct a comprehensive theoretical and computational investigation into the generation of coherent spin waves via RF-SOT in the prototypical yttrium iron garnet. We characterize the excitation of forward volume, backward volume, and surface modes in both linear and nonlinear regimes, employing single and interdigitated electrode configurations. We reveal and explain several unique and surprising features of RF-SOT compared to inductive excitation, including higher efficiency, distinct mode selectivity, and directional symmetry, a ~ $3π/4$ phase offset, reduced anharmonic distortion in the nonlinear regime, and the absence of second harmonic generation. These insights position RF-SOT as a promising new mechanism for future magnonic and spintronic applications.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Direct preemptive stabilization of $m,n$ = 2,1 neoclassical tearing modes by electron cyclotron current drive in the DIII-D low-torque ITER baseline scenario

We report the first preemptive direct stabilization of $m,n$ = 2,1 neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs) in DIII-D low-torque ITER baseline scenario plasmas by electron cyclotron waves. These experiments strongly support that the observed stabilization is achieved by replacing the missing bootstrap current in the island by electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD). These plasmas (with and without ECCD) are stable to 2,1 NTMs when the differential rotation between the q = 1 and q = 2 surfaces (Δf 1,2 ) is sustained above a critical value (Δf CRIT ≈ 1 kHz), but those evolving to low differential rotation (Δf 1,2 < Δf CRIT ) routinely develop a disruptive 2,1 island at the time and frequency of a sawtooth precursor. Preemptive, local and direct stabilization by ECCD is tested by scanning the current drive amplitude and location inside and outside of the q = 2 rational surface shot by shot. Analysis of only low differential rotation time windows, i.e. when stabilization from Δf 1,2 is absent, shows focused ECCD at q = 2 prevents the onset of 2,1 NTMs. These results are important, as they give the first demonstration of disruptive NTM control by ECCD in the plasma scenario planned for ITER.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Associative memories using complex-valued Hopfield networks based on spin-torque oscillator arrays

Abstract Simulations of complex-valued Hopfield networks based on spin-torque oscillators can recover phase-encoded images. Sequences of memristor-augmented inverters provide tunable delay elements that implement complex weights by phase shifting the oscillatory output of the oscillators. Pseudo-inverse training suffices to store at least 12 images in a set of 192 oscillators, representing 16 × 12 pixel images. The energy required to recover an image depends on the desired error level. For the oscillators and circuitry considered here, 5% root mean square deviations from the ideal image require approximately 5 μ s and consume roughly 130 nJ. Simulations show that the network functions well when the resonant frequency of the oscillators can be tuned to have a fractional spread less than 10 −3 , depending on the strength of the feedback.

Prasad, Nitin (ORCID:0000000180880164)↗

Torque and Angular-Momentum Transfer in Merging Rotating Bose-Einstein Condensates

When rotating classical fluid drops merge together, angular momentum can be advected from one to another due to the viscous shear flow at the drop interface. It remains elusive what the corresponding mechanism is in inviscid quantum fluids such as Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs). In this work, we report our theoretical study of an initially static BEC merging with a rotating BECin three-dimensional space along the rotational axis. We show that a solitonlike sheet, resembling a corkscrew, spontaneously emerges at the interface. Furthermore, rapid angular momentum transfer at a constant rate universally proportional to the initial angular-momentum density is observed. Strikingly, this transfer does not necessarily involve fluid advection or drifting of the quantized vortices. We reveal that the corkscrew structure can exert a torque that directly creates angular momentum in the static BEC and annihilates angular momentum in the rotating BEC. Uncovering this intriguing angular momentum transport mechanism may benefit our understanding of various coherent matter-wave systems, spanning from atomtronics on chips to dark matter BECs at cosmic scales.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Three-Dimensional Dynamics of a Magnetic Hopfion Driven by Spin Transfer Torque

Magnetic hopfion is a three-dimensional (3D) topological soliton with novel spin structure that would enable exotic dynamics. Herein, we observe and research the current-driven 3D dynamics of a magnetic hopfion with a unit Hopf index in a frustrated magnet. Attributed to the spin Berry phase and symmetry of the hopfion, the phase space entangles multiple collective coordinates, thus the hopfion exhibits rich dynamics including longitudinal motion along the current direction, transverse motion perpendicular to the current direction, rotational motion, and dilation. Furthermore, the characteristics of hopfion dynamics is determined by the ratio between the nonadiabatic spin transfer torque parameter and the damping parameter. Such peculiar 3D dynamics of magnetic hopfion could shed light on understanding the universal physics of hopfions in different systems and boost the prosperous development of 3D spintronics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Surpassing the Energy Resolution Limit with Ferromagnetic Torque Sensors

We discuss the fundamental noise limitations of a ferromagnetic torque sensor based on a levitated magnet in the tipping regime. We evaluate the optimal magnetic field resolution taking into account the thermomechanical noise and the mechanical detection noise at the standard quantum limit. We find that the energy resolution limit, pointed out in recent literature as a relevant benchmark for most classes of magnetometers, can be surpassed by many orders of magnitude. Moreover, similarly to the case of a ferromagnetic gyroscope, it is also possible to surpass the standard quantum limit for magnetometry with independent spins, arising from spin-projection noise. Our finding indicates that magnetomechanical systems optimized for magnetometry can achieve a magnetic field resolution per unit volume several orders of magnitude better than any conventional magnetometer. Here, we discuss possible implications, focusing on fundamental physics problems such as the search for exotic interactions beyond the standard model.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Charge-spin interconversion in epitaxial Pt probed by spin-orbit torques in a magnetic insulator

We measure spin-orbit torques (SOTs) in a model system of all-epitaxial ferrite/Pt bilayers to gain insights into charge-spin interconversion in Pt. With negligible electronic conduction in the insulating ferrite, the crystalline Pt film acts as the sole source of charge-to-spin conversion. A small fieldlike SOT independent of Pt thickness suggests a weak Rashba-Edelstein effect at the ferrite/Pt interface. By contrast, we observe a sizable dampinglike SOT that depends on the Pt thickness, from which we deduce the dominance of an extrinsic spin-Hall effect (skew scattering) and Dyakonov-Perel spin relaxation in the crystalline Pt film. Furthermore, our results point to a large internal spin-Hall ratio of ≈ 0.8 in epitaxial Pt. Furthermore, our experimental work takes an essential step towards understanding the mechanisms of charge-spin interconversion and SOTs in Pt-based heterostructures, which are crucial for power-efficient spintronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Probing Ice-Rule-Breaking Transition in Dy 2 Ti 2 O 7 Thin Film by Proximitized Transport and Magnetic Torque

While the spin-ice state of bulk pyrochlores such as Dy 2⁢ Ti 2 ⁢O 7 and Ho 2⁢ Ti 2 ⁢O 7 has been extensively studied in the past several decades due to its unique degenerate ground state and emergent monopole excitation, whether it survives in the thin-film form remains a mystery. The limited volume of the thin-film sample makes it challenging to study the intrinsic magnetic properties. Here, we synthesized 18-nm-thick Dy 2⁢ Ti 2 ⁢O 7 thin film on yttria-stabilized zirconia with 9.5 mol% Y 2 ⁢O 3 substrate and capped it by a thin conductive Bi 2 ⁢Ir 2 ⁢O 7 layer and performed the proximitized magnetoresistance measurements. Our Letter found that the ice-rule-breaking phase transition survives but with a modified effective nearest-neighbor interaction (𝐽 eff =1.054 K) and distorted Ising spin axes (𝜀 = +0.051) compared to the bulk crystal. Furthermore, the results are supported by the simultaneously measured capacitive torque magnetometry. Our Letter demonstrates that proximitized transport is an effective tool for thin films of insulating frustrated magnets.

Magnetic interactions↗

TEAMER: Sandia and CalWave Torque Spring Assessment

Power-take-off (PTO) systems for wave energy converters (WEC) require restoring forces for efficient hydrodynamic as well as mechanical to electric power transfer. Implementation of an effective spring mechanism that can provide a restoring torque on e.g. a rotational, winch type PTO shaft is challenging. SNL in collaboration with CalWave, will use numerical finite element simulations to study application of mechanical torsion springs as a highly efficient restoring force element for CalWave's rotational PTO. Material studies will include common steel as a baseline and potentially advanced materials such as fiber composite materials with different cross-sectional profiles. Test report including description and results of FEA (finite element analysis) models. Excel sheet summarizes which scripts were used for which tables and figures in the report. Part of TEAMER request for technical support (RFTS 1) award to CalWave and Sandia National Lab (SNL).

16 TIDAL AND WAVE POWER↗

Torque deration in response traction control events

A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for incrementally derating a torque applied by a drivetrain in response a number of traction control events detected by a traction control system over a predetermined time period.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Grand Challenges in the Science of Making Torque from Wind: Then and Now

Shifting the electricity supply to renewable sources within the next two decades is the first step in decarbonizing the energy sector, and wind energy will play a central role in enabling this rapid energy transition to clean energy. The international wind energy research community - including NREL researchers - has determined that for wind power to fulfill its expected role as a major global supplier of carbon-free energy, critical challenges around the design, development, and deployment of wind energy must be addressed - quickly. Paul Veers and other NREL researchers joined 100 worldwide wind energy experts in writing a series of 10 articles for publication in Wind Energy Science. With the support and guidance of the European Academy of Wind Energy Publications Committee, the articles synthesize and clarify the most critical wind energy science needs. This presentation introduces the concept of the Grand Challenges and its 10 articles.

decarbonization↗

Switching of a Magnet by Spin-Orbit Torque from a Topological Dirac Semimetal

Recent experiments show that topological surface states (TSS) in topological insulators (TI) can be exploited to manipulate magnetic ordering in ferromagnets. In principle, TSS should also exist for other topological materials, but it remains unexplored as to whether such states can also be utilized to manipulate ferromagnets. In this paper, current-induced magnetization switching enabled by TSS in a non-TI topological material, namely, a topological Dirac semimetal α-Sn, is reported. The experiments use an α-Sn/Ag/CoFeB trilayer structure. The magnetization in the CoFeB layer can be switched by a charge current at room temperature, without an external magnetic field. The data show that the switching is driven by the TSS of the α-Sn layer, rather than spin-orbit coupling in the bulk of the α-Sn layer or current-produced heating. The switching efficiency is as high as in TI systems. This shows that the topological Dirac semimetal α-Sn is as promising as TI materials in terms of spintronic applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗