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Spin Superfluidity in Biaxial Antiferromagnetic Insulators
Alireza Qaiumzadeh1, Hans Skarsvåg1, Cecilia Holmqvist1
1Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
Physical Review Letters
|April 15, 2017
Summary
Spin superfluidity was observed in antiferromagnetic insulators like NiO. A high magnetic field overcomes anisotropy, enabling long-distance spin transport even in imperfect materials.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Materials science
- Spintronics
Background:
- Antiferromagnetic materials offer potential for spin superfluidity due to weak dipole interactions.
- Nickel oxide (NiO) is recognized as a promising spin conductor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate spin superfluidity in antiferromagnetic insulators, specifically NiO.
- To understand the role of anisotropy and magnetic fields on spin transport.
Main Methods:
- Investigated nonlocal spin transport in a planar antiferromagnetic insulator with weak uniaxial anisotropy.
- Applied a high magnetic field to probe the spin-flop transition.
Main Results:
- Uniaxial anisotropy creates a threshold for spin superfluidity.
- A high magnetic field near the spin-flop transition removes this threshold.
- Spin superfluidity was observed to persist over micrometers, even in dirty samples.
Conclusions:
- Spin superfluidity can be achieved in antiferromagnetic insulators like NiO under specific conditions.
- Magnetic field control is crucial for overcoming anisotropy limitations.
- The findings suggest potential for robust spin superfluidity in practical spintronic devices.