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Nanometre-scale probing of spin waves using single-electron spins
Toeno van der Sar1, Francesco Casola2, Ronald Walsworth2
1Department of Physics, Harvard University, 17 Oxford St., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Nature Communications
|August 8, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed a new method using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond for nanoscale magnetic imaging. This technique enables detailed study of magnetic excitations in materials like ferromagnets and skyrmions.
Area of Science:
- Condensed-matter physics
- Quantum sensing
Background:
- Advanced tools are needed for nanoscale magnetic excitation probing.
- Current methods lack real-space, ambient condition capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a practical approach for nanoscale magnetic excitation detection.
- To demonstrate local, quantitative, and phase-sensitive magnetic field mapping.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing magnetometry based on single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond.
- Focusing on spin-wave excitations in ferromagnetic microdiscs.
- Employing NV spin relaxometry for spin-noise spectrum characterization.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated detection of spin-wave magnetic fields at ~50 nm from a ferromagnetic microdisc.
- Mapped magnetic-field dependence of spin-wave excitations via longitudinal magnetization reduction.
- Characterized spin-noise spectrum, showing agreement with theoretical models for 2D magnetic systems.
Conclusions:
- This NV-center-based magnetometry offers a practical route for nanoscale magnetic imaging.
- The technique is applicable to diverse magnetic systems including ferromagnets, antiferromagnets, and skyrmions.
- Complementary modalities pave the way for imaging local excitations in quantum magnetic materials.
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