Tuning magnetic frustration of nanomagnets in triangular-lattice geometry

TL;DR

This study investigates how tuning the spacing of nanomagnets in a triangular lattice affects magnetic frustration and ordering, revealing regions of ordered moments due to anisotropy.

Contribution

It demonstrates how adjusting island spacing in a triangular lattice can control magnetic interactions and frustration levels, highlighting the role of anisotropy in magnetic ordering.

Findings

Tuning island spacing alters magnetic interactions.

Regions of ordered magnetic moments are observed.

Anisotropy reduces frustration in the lattice.

Abstract

We study the configuration of magnetic moments on triangular lattices of single-domain ferromagnetic islands, examining the consequences of magnetostatic interactions in this frustrated geometry. By varying the island-island distance along one direction, we are able to tune the ratio of different interactions between neighboring islands, resulting in a corresponding variation in the local correlations between the island moments. Unlike other artificial frustrated magnets, this lattice geometry displays regions of ordered moment orientation, possibly resulting from a higher degree of anisotropy leading to a reduced level of frustration.