Magnon mediated heat and spin transport in magnetic insulators

• Applicant: Dr. Vitaliy Vasyuchka
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2011 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 198173812

The investigation of magnon mediated heat and spin transport is not only important from a pure scientific point of view, but also holds promise as a route to novel spintronic devices. Our project targets a thorough understanding of the interplay between magnon- and heat-based currents and the related transport phenomena in films and stripes of magnetic insulating materials. In particular, we will address two strongly interlinked open problems: (1) How do the properties of a magnon current change when as it propagates through a thermally inhomogeneous medium? and, (2) Exactly what role do magnons play in heat transport? As a model system we will study films and spin-wave waveguides made from the Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG). YIG‘s electrically insulating properties and exceptionally low magnetic damping make it the ideal material for this purpose. As an experimental tool Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy will be employed.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1538: Spin Caloric Transport (SpinCaT)
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Burkard Hillebrands