A Magnon Scattering Platform

Scattering experiments have revolutionized our understanding of nature. Examples include the discovery of the nucleus, crystallography, and electron microscopy. Scattering techniques differ by the type of the particles used, the interaction these particles have with target materials and the range of wavelengths used. Here, we demonstrate a new 2-dimensional table-top scattering platform for exploring magnetic properties of materials on mesoscopic length scales. Coherent magnons are launched and scattered off a magnetic target. The scattered waves are then recorded using a scanning NV center magnetometer (1, 2) that allows sub-wavelength imaging and operation under conditions ranging from cryogenic to ambient environment. While most scattering platforms measure only the intensity of the scattered waves, our imaging method allows for spatial determination of both amplitude and phase of the scattered waves thereby allowing for a reconstruction of the target scattering potential. Our results (3) establish magnon scattering experiments as a new platform for studying correlated many-body systems.
1. T. X. Zhou et al., APL. 111, 163106 (2017).
2. L. Xie et al., Advanced Materials. 30, 1705501 (2018).
3. T. X. Zhou et al., arXiv:2004.07763.