Direct observation of deterministic domain wall trajectory in magnetic network structures

Area of Science:

• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Domain wall (DW) trajectory control is vital for spin-based devices and fundamental physics, such as magnetic monopole studies in artificial spin ice.
• DW propagation in magnetic networks is typically chirality-dependent and prone to stochastic behavior due to Walker breakdown.
• Existing methods struggle with deterministic control over DW paths in complex magnetic structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a method for deterministic control of domain wall (DW) trajectories in magnetic network structures.
• To investigate the role of potential barriers in overcoming chirality-induced stochasticity in DW propagation.
• To explore the applicability of this control technique for magnetic charge carriers in artificial spin ice.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing engineered potential barriers within magnetic network structures.
• Analyzing the interplay between geometric potential and pinning strength in DW propagation.
• Simulating and observing DW dynamics under controlled barrier conditions.

Main Results:

• Successfully achieved deterministic control of DW trajectories, independent of their chirality.
• Demonstrated that potential barriers effectively mitigate the stochasticity caused by Walker breakdown.
• Identified geometric potential and pinning strength as key governing factors for DW propagation.

Conclusions:

• Introducing potential barriers offers a robust strategy for deterministic DW trajectory control in magnetic networks.
• This technique holds promise for advancing the reliability and functionality of spin-based electronic devices.
• The findings can be extended to manipulate magnetic charge carriers in artificial spin ice lattices.