Programmable Integrated Magnonic Meshes

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates scalable, programmable magnonic circuits on-chip using laser-written waveguides in yttrium iron garnet, enabling complex signal routing and processing for classical and quantum applications.

Contribution

It introduces a single-step laser writing process to create cascaded, programmable magnonic devices and networks, advancing the scalability of magnonic circuitry.

Findings

Efficient spin-wave propagation over hundreds of wavelengths.

Complete power transfer and tunable phase delays in coupled waveguides.

Programmable magnonic interferometric meshes with multiple inputs and outputs.

Abstract

Integrated circuits are a cornerstone of modern information technology, and analog wave-based architectures could enable fast and efficient processing beyond conventional charge electronics. In magnonics, spin waves provide a highly tunable, compact and energy-efficient medium for on-chip microwave signal transport and processing. However, progress has been limited to isolated elements or short devices, severely limiting the overall functional complexity and scalability. Here we realize the key elements of universal magnonic circuitry, using a single-step direct laser writing process in yttrium iron garnet, and monolithically cascade them in multi-stage programmable devices and networks. Using magneto-optical Kerr effect microscopy, we show efficient spin-wave propagation and preserved phase coherence in waveguide structures for hundreds of wavelengths. In coupled waveguides, we observe complete and periodic power transfer over several coupling lengths, and in phase shifters we achieve arbitrary, tunable phase delays. By cascading these elements, we realize programmable splitters, frequency demultiplexers, and phase-controlled 2x2 routers, where output power and relative phase can be programmed on demand via external fields. Finally, we realize programmable magnonic interferometric meshes for on-chip radio-frequency signal routing, with up to six magnonic inputs and outputs and seven cascaded stages, without the need for intermediate amplification. These direct-write cascaded networks bridge a long-standing gap in magnonic scalability, offering a viable pathway toward integrated, large-scale architectures for both classical and quantum processing.