Observation of Coherent Spin Waves in a Three-Dimensional Artificial Spin Ice Structure

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the first measurement of coherent spin waves in a 3D artificial spin ice structure, revealing complex collective modes and providing a pathway for exploring high-frequency spin dynamics in advanced 3D nanostructures.

Contribution

It introduces a novel experimental approach to observe spin waves in 3D spin ice, combining fabrication, measurement, and simulation techniques.

Findings

Two spin-wave modes observed with frequency variation under magnetic field

Numerical simulations qualitatively match experimental modes

Modes show spatial quantization and collective behavior

Abstract

Harnessing high-frequency spin dynamics in three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures may lead to paradigm-shifting, next generation devices including high density spintronics and neuromorphic systems. Despite remarkable progress in fabrication, the measurement and interpretation of spin dynamics in complex 3D structures remain exceptionally challenging. Here we take a first step and measure coherent spin waves within a 3D artificial spin ice (ASI) structure using Brillouin light scattering. The 3D-ASI was fabricated by using a combination of two-photon lithography and thermal evaporation. Two spin-wave modes were observed in the experiment whose frequencies showed a monotonic variation with the applied field strength. Numerical simulations qualitatively reproduced the observed modes. The simulated mode profiles revealed the collective nature of the modes extending throughout the complex network of nanowires while showing spatial quantization with varying mode quantization numbers. The study shows a well-defined means to explore high-frequency spin dynamics in complex 3D spintronic and magnonic structures.