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Anomalous Spin Precession under a Geometrical Torque
Christopher Stahl1, Michael Potthoff1
1I. Institute for Theoretical Physics, Universität Hamburg, Jungiusstraße 9, 20355 Hamburg, Germany and The Hamburg Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany.
Physical Review Letters
|December 30, 2017
Summary
Spin dynamics in magnetic fields are influenced by conduction electrons. Researchers observed anomalous spin precession, exceeding Larmor frequency, due to geometric torque from electron interactions.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Quantum mechanics
- Spintronics
Background:
- Spin dynamics in magnetic fields are typically governed by precession and relaxation.
- Interactions between spins and conduction electrons in Fermi seas are crucial for understanding material properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the real-time dynamics of a spin coupled to a Fermi sea of conduction electrons.
- To demonstrate and explain anomalous spin precession phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of spin dynamics under magnetic fields.
- Analysis of spin-electron coupling within a Fermi sea.
- Investigating the adiabatic limit of electronic motion following spin dynamics.
Main Results:
- Observed anomalous spin precession with frequencies higher than the Larmor frequency.
- Demonstrated inverted spin orientation in the adiabatic limit.
- Identified a geometrical torque arising from finite spin Berry curvature as the cause.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals anomalous spin precession driven by magnetic fields and coupled to conduction electrons.
- Geometric torque from spin Berry curvature explains the observed anomalous dynamics.
- Findings contribute to understanding spin behavior in correlated electron systems.
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