Non-classical spin transfer effects in an antiferromagnet

TL;DR

This paper uses quantum simulations to reveal non-classical spin transfer effects in antiferromagnets, showing efficient excitation of states beyond classical predictions, with potential for advanced electronic control.

Contribution

It demonstrates quantum effects in spin transfer in antiferromagnets, highlighting phenomena not captured by classical models, such as multi-quanta generation and enhanced magnetization dynamics.

Findings

Efficient excitation of forbidden dynamical states.

Generation of large magnetization dynamics via quantum interference.

Spin transfer efficiency is mainly energy-dependent, not spin polarization.

Abstract

We simulate scattering of electrons by a chain of antiferromagnetically coupled quantum Heisenberg spins, to analyze spin-transfer effects not described by the classical models of magnetism. Our simulations demonstrate efficient excitation of dynamical states that would be forbidden by the semiclassical symmetries, such as generation of multiple magnetic excitation quanta by a single electron. Furthermore, quantum interference of spin wavefunctions enables generation of magnetization dynamics with amplitudes exceeding the transferred magnetic moment. The efficiency of excitation is almost independent of the electron spin polarization, and is governed mainly by the transfer of energy. Non-classical spin transfer may thus enable efficient electronic control of antiferromagnets not limited by the classical constraints.