Magnetoacoustic waves in a highly magnetostrictive FeGa thin film

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the excitation of magnetoacoustic waves in a highly magnetostrictive FeGa thin film, highlighting its potential for magnonic applications and analyzing the influence of magnetic interactions on wave amplitude.

Contribution

We experimentally and theoretically investigate magnetoacoustic waves in galfenol, providing insights into their amplitude and the effects of magnetic interactions.

Findings

Magnetoacoustic waves can be excited in galfenol with strong magnetoelastic coupling.

Magnetic interactions significantly influence the amplitude of magnetoacoustic waves.

The study quantifies magnetization oscillations using magnetic imaging and simulations.

Abstract

The interaction between surface acoustic waves and magnetization offers an efficient route for electrically controlling magnetic states. Here, we demonstrate the excitation of magnetoacoustic waves in galfenol, a highly magnetostrictive alloy made of iron (72%) and gallium (28%). We quantify the amplitude of the induced magnetization oscillations using magnetic imaging in an X-ray photoelectron microscope and estimate the dynamic magnetoelastic constants through micromagnetic simulations. Our findings demonstrate the potential of galfenol for magnonic applications and reveal that, despite strong magnetoelastic coupling, magnetic interactions and spin-wave dispersion relations significantly influence the overall amplitude of magnetoacoustic waves.