Imaging spin properties using spatially varying magnetic fields

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new imaging method for spin properties in spintronic systems using a scanned micromagnetic probe combined with existing detection schemes, providing local spin information.

Contribution

It develops a numerical approach to solve the spin diffusion equation with spatially varying fields, enabling local spin imaging in various materials.

Findings

Effective imaging of spin properties demonstrated

Insights into inhomogeneity effects on Hanle measurements

Applicable to multiple material systems

Abstract

We present a novel method to image spin properties of spintronic systems using the spatially confined field of a scanned micromagnetic probe, in conjunction with existing electrical or optical global spin detection schemes. It is thus applicable to all materials systems susceptible to either of those approaches. The proposed technique relies on numerical solutions to the spin diffusion equation in the presence of spatially varying fields to obtain the local spin response to the micromagnetic probe field. These solutions also provide insight into the effects of inhomogeneities on Hanle measurements.