Reconfigurable Spin-wave Dispersion in Continuous Magnetic Layer Induced via Artificial Spin Ice Magnonic Crystal

Spinwaves are proposed as next generation information carriers to supersede transistor based computing technologies which are approaching fundamental physical limitations. Spinwave dispersions can be tuned by spatially modulating the properties of the materials through which they propagate, so-called magnonic crystals [1]. Flexible functionality via reconfigurability is a desirable property. Artificial spin ice (ASI) is an arrangement of magnetic nanoislands already showing promise for reservoir computing [2]. Spinwave propagation in nanostructures is inefficient due to dipole-coupling. Iacocca et al. demonstrate increased interisland coupling via a continuous magnetic underlayer [3]. Similarly, we propose ASI as a magnetization modulator of an efficient spinwave supporting media. Using different microstate and underlayer magnetisation directions we demonstrate band gaps, spin-wave non-reciprocity, important for spin-wave diode realisation, and spinwave propagation suppression. Nonreciprocity can be further enhanced by differential fabrication of nano island geometry which also allows access to all microstates with simple fields protocols.

[1] A. Barman et al, J. Phys. Condens. Matter 33 413001 2021

[2] J. C. Gartside, et al, Nat. Nano. volume 17, 460–469 2022

[3] E. Iacocca et al, Phys. Rev. Applied 13, 044047 –2020