Correlation-mediated processes for electron-induced switching between Neel states of Fe anti-ferromagnetic chains

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the mechanisms behind electron-induced switching between Neel states in Fe antiferromagnetic chains, identifying three distinct processes and emphasizing the role of spin correlations and chain size dependence.

Contribution

It provides a theoretical evaluation of switching rates, explaining experimental observations and identifying three specific switching mechanisms in Fe antiferromagnetic chains.

Findings

Good agreement with experimental switching rates

Identification of three switching mechanisms

Spin correlations drive the switching process

Abstract

The controlled switching between two quasi-stable Neel states in adsorbed anti-ferromagnetic Fe chains has recently been achieved by Loth et al [Science 335, 196 (2012)]. In order to rationalize their data, we evaluate the rate of tunneling electron-induced switching between the N\'eel states. Good agreement is found with the experiment permitting us to identify three switching mechanisms: (i) low-bias direct electron-induced transitions, (ii) intermediate-bias switching via spin-wave-like excitation, and (iii) high-bias transitions mediated by domain wall formation. Spin correlations in the anti-ferromagnetic chains are the switching driving force leading to a marked chain-size dependence.