Propagation of Avalanches in Mn$_{12}$-acetate: Magnetic Deflagration

TL;DR

This paper investigates how magnetization reversals in Mn12-acetate crystals propagate as a slow, flame-like front, revealing a novel magnetic deflagration phenomenon analogous to chemical flame propagation.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of magnetic deflagration, demonstrating that magnetization avalanches propagate as a narrow interface at a constant, slow velocity similar to flame fronts.

Findings

Magnetization avalanche propagates as a narrow interface

Propagation velocity is roughly two orders of magnitude slower than sound

The phenomenon is analogous to chemical flame front propagation

Abstract

Local time-resolved measurements of fast reversal of the magnetization of single crystals of Mn12-acetate indicate that the magnetization avalanche spreads as a narrow interface that propagates through the crystal at a constant velocity that is roughly two orders of magnitude smaller than the speed of sound. We argue that this phenomenon is closely analogous to the propagation of a flame front (deflagration) through a flammable chemical substance.