A method for atomistic spin dynamics simulations: implementation and examples

TL;DR

This paper introduces a comprehensive atomistic spin dynamics simulation method, detailing equations, models, and numerical schemes, applicable in first principles or experimental modes, demonstrated through magnetic switching in ultra-strong fields.

Contribution

It provides a detailed implementation framework for atomistic spin dynamics simulations, including equations, models, and numerical methods, with practical application examples.

Findings

Successfully applied to magnetic switching in ultra-strong fields

Method can be used with self-consistent or fixed parameters

Provides a versatile tool for magnetic research

Abstract

We present a method for performing atomistic spin dynamic simulations. A comprehensive summary of all pertinent details for performing the simulations such as equations of motions, models for including temperature, methods of extracting data and numerical schemes for performing the simulations is given. The method can be applied in a first principles mode, where all interatomic exchange is calculated self-consistently, or it can be applied with frozen parameters estimated from experiments or calculated for a fixed spin-configuration. Areas of potential applications to different magnetic questions are also discussed. The method is finally applied to one situation where the macrospin model breaks down; magnetic switching in ultra strong fields.