Search

We present all-optical studies of spin dynamics in two classes of ferrimagnets. Both sets of experiments use table-top laser-based pump–probe techniques to examine the ultrafast and longer timescale spin excitations. We use the visible/near infra-red time-resolved magneto-optical Kerr effect (tr-MOKE) to follow the spin dynamics of a series of metallic (FeCo)1−xGdx thin films with varying Gd content. Magnetic compensation in the films occurs at a Gd concentration of ≈26%, and the spin dynamics of the films exhibit a non-monotonic variation in effective magnetization. We also examine spin dynamics in an insulating NiFe2O4 spinel using ultrafast techniques up at extreme ultraviolet energies, which permit element-specific investigations. The element and time-resolved delay scans reveal a non-trivial interaction between spin excitations on the different magnetic sub-lattices of the magnetic insulator.

FeSn is a topological semimetal (TSM) and kagome antiferromagnet (AFM) composed of alternating Fe3Sn kagome planes and honeycomb Sn planes. This unique structure gives rise to exotic features in the band structures such as the coexistence of Dirac cones and flatbands near the Fermi level, fully spin-polarized 2D surface Dirac fermions, and the ability to open a large gap in the Dirac cone by reorienting the N\'eel vector. In this work, we report the synthesis of high quality epitaxial (0001) FeSn films by magnetron sputtering. Using FeSn/Py heterostructures, we show a large exchange bias effect that reaches an exchange field of 220 Oe at 5 K, providing unambiguous evidence of antiferromagnetism and strong interlayer exchange coupling in our films. Field cycling studies show steep initial training effects, highlighting the complex magnetic interactions and anisotropy. Importantly, our work provides a simple, alternative means to fabricate FeSn films and heterostructures, making it easier to explore the topological physics of AFM TSMs and develop FeSn-based spintronics., Comment: accepted by APL

Evolution of Kondo effect in Weyl semimetal Mn3Sn leads to extraordinary terahertz and DC transport properties., Topology and strong electron correlations are crucial ingredients in emerging quantum materials, yet their intersection in experimental systems has been relatively limited to date. Strongly correlated Weyl semimetals, particularly when magnetism is incorporated, offer a unique and fertile platform to explore emergent phenomena in novel topological matter and topological spintronics. The antiferromagnetic Weyl semimetal Mn3Sn exhibits many exotic physical properties such as a large spontaneous Hall effect and has recently attracted intense interest. In this work, we report synthesis of epitaxial Mn3+xSn1−x films with greatly extended compositional range in comparison with that of bulk samples. As Sn atoms are replaced by magnetic Mn atoms, the Kondo effect, which is a celebrated example of strong correlations, emerges, develops coherence, and induces a hybridization energy gap. The magnetic doping and gap opening lead to rich extraordinary properties, as exemplified by the prominent DC Hall effects and resonance-enhanced terahertz Faraday rotation.

The topological kagome magnet (TKM) Fe3Sn2 exhibits unusual topological properties, flat electronic bands, and chiral spin textures, making it an exquisite materials platform to explore the interplay between topological band structure, strong electron correlations, and magnetism. Here we report the first synthesis of high-quality epitaxial (0001) Fe3Sn2 films with large intrinsic anomalous Hall effect close to that measured in bulk single crystals. In addition, we measured a large, anisotropic anomalous Nernst coefficient Syx of 1.26 {\mu}V/K, roughly 2-5x greater than that of common ferromagnets, suggesting the presence of Berry curvature sources near the Fermi level in this system. Crucially, the realization of high-quality Fe3Sn2 films opens the door to explore emergent interfacial physics and create novel spintronic devices based on TKMs by interfacing Fe3Sn2 with other quantum materials and by nanostructure patterning., Comment: accepted by Physical Review Materials

Topology and strong electron correlations are crucial ingredients in emerging quantum materials, yet their intersection in experimental systems has been relatively limited to date. Strongly correlated Weyl semimetals, particularly when magnetism is incorporated, offer a unique and fertile platform to explore emergent phenomena in novel topological matter and topological spintronics. The antiferromagnetic Weyl semimetal Mn3Sn exhibits many exotic physical properties such as a large spontaneous Hall effect and has recently attracted intense interest. In this work, we report synthesis of epitaxial Mn3+x Sn1-x films with greatly extended compositional range in comparison with that of bulk samples. As Sn atoms are replaced by magnetic Mn atoms, the Kondo effect, which is a celebrated example of strong correlations, emerges, develops coherence, and induces a hybridization energy gap. The magnetic doping and gap opening lead to rich extraordinary properties, as exemplified by the prominent DC Hall effects and resonance-enhanced terahertz Faraday rotation.

The topological kagome metal CoSn hosts orbital-selective Dirac bands and very flat bands near the Fermi energy that lead to a range of exotic phenomena, such as fractional quantum Hall states. In this work, we report the synthesis of high-quality epitaxial (0001) CoSn films by magnetron sputtering. Comprehensive structural characterizations demonstrate high crystalline quality with low disorder, sharp interfaces, and a smooth surface. Complementary magnetic and transport properties show a paramagnetic, metallic ground state as seen in bulk. Our work creates a synthetic foundation to investigate and utilize rich topological physics in CoSn thin films and heterostructures.

The volume charge density for a conducting ellipsoid is expressed in simple geometrical terms, and then used to obtain the known surface charge density as well as the uniform charge per length along any principal axis. Corresponding results are presented for conducting hyperellipsoids in any number of spatial dimensions. The presentation is at a level suitable for use in graduate courses on electrostatics, as a supplement to more traditional material.

Author(s): Karayev, S; Murray, PD; Khadka, D; Thapaliya, TR; Liu, K; Huang, SX | Abstract: Magnetic multilayer thin films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) and interfacial Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (iDMI) are of intense interest for realizing magnetic skyrmions and modifying topological spin textures. We systematically investigate interlayer exchange coupling (IEC) in Pt/Co/Ru(Ir) superlattices that have PMA and large iDMI. The IEC is greatly tunable by varying Ru(Ir) or Pt thickness and the antiferromagnetic IEC is as large as 1.3mJ/m2 that is on the same order of magnitude as the iDMI. We find unusual magnetic hysteresis loop crossing between field-ascending and -descending magnetization curves. Furthermore, we identify magnetic phase diagrams for antiferromagnetic IEC and hysteresis loop crossing with respect to Ru(Ir) and Pt thickness. Our experimental findings may open a way in the development of synthetic antiferromagnetic spintronics and/or the realization of antiferromagnetic skyrmions.