Magneto-optical imaging of magnetic deflagration in Mn12-Acetate

TL;DR

This paper uses magneto-optical imaging to study the shape and behavior of magnetic deflagration in Mn12-Acetate crystals, revealing inhomogeneous magnetization relaxation and slow deflagration rates.

Contribution

First experimental visualization of spin avalanche morphology and dynamics in Mn12-Acetate using magneto-optical imaging, confirming theoretical models.

Findings

Inhomogeneous magnetization relaxation observed

Spins reverse first at one edge, then at the other

Very slow deflagration rates achieved

Abstract

For the first time, the morphology and dynamics of spin avalanches in Mn12-Acetate crystals using magneto-optical imaging has been explored. We observe an inhomogeneous relaxation of the magnetization, the spins reversing first at one edge of the crystal and a few milliseconds later at the other end. Our data fit well with the theory of magnetic deflagration, demonstrating that very slow deflagration rates can be obtained, which makes new types of experiments possible.