Resonant magneto-acoustic switching: influence of Rayleigh wave frequency and wavevector

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates efficient 180-degree magnetization switching in thin films using large amplitude Rayleigh waves, revealing a resonant precessional mechanism and potential for precise, large-area magnetic control via surface acoustic waves.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of magnetization switching using Rayleigh waves, highlighting the role of resonance and wave interference for precise magnetic domain control.

Findings

Magnetization can be switched by 180 degrees using Rayleigh waves.

Large characteristic domains form during switching.

Surface acoustic waves can travel at least 1mm and create interference patterns.

Abstract

We show on in-plane magnetized thin films that magnetization can be switched efficiently by 180 degrees using large amplitude Rayleigh waves travelling along the hard or easy magnetic axis. Large characteristic filament-like domains are formed in the latter case. Micromagnetic simulations clearly confirm that this multi-domain configuration is compatible with a resonant precessional mechanism. The reversed domains are in both geometries several hundreds of \mu m^2, much larger than has been shown using spin transfer torque- or field-driven precessional switching. We show that surface acoustic waves can travel at least 1mm before addressing a given area, and can interfere to create magnetic stripes that can be positionned with a sub-micronic precision.