Topological Magnon Modes in Patterned Ferrimagnetic Insulator Thin Films

Area of Science:

• Spintronics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Magnons, as quasi-particles, offer a promising avenue for energy-efficient information processing due to their potential to avoid Ohmic losses inherent in conventional electronics.
• Developing methods to control and propagate magnons with high fidelity is crucial for advancing spintronic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a method for realizing topologically protected magnon modes.
• To investigate the potential of these modes for creating robust and efficient information conduits in spintronic devices.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the interface between patterned ferrimagnetic insulator thin films of different configurations.
• Designing a magnonic Mach-Zehnder interferometer to modulate magnon signals.

Main Results:

• The interface acts as a perfect waveguide for magnon modes within the band gap.
• These topologically protected magnon modes exhibit immunity to backscattering, even in bent pathways, and robustness against disorders.
• The magnonic Mach-Zehnder interferometer demonstrated continuous control of magnon signals by varying external magnetic fields or driving frequencies.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method enables the creation of topologically protected magnon waveguides.
• This research paves the way for scalable, low-dissipation spintronic devices and potential magnonic integrated circuits.