Speaker
Description
Spin waves, the collective excitations of electron spins in magnetic materials, have emerged as promising information carriers for next-generation magnonic technologies owing to their nanoscale
wavelengths and charge-free propagation, which enables energy-efficient information processing [1]. A key challenge in realizing practical magnonic devices is the precise control of spin-wave propagation
and magnetization dynamics. Among the various approaches, interface engineering in magnetic heterostructures has proven to be particularly effective, as interfacial exchange coupling, magnetic anisotropy, and spin-orbit interactions can significantly modify the static and dynamic magnetic properties of the system.
Our research group at Ashoka University focuses on understanding and controlling spin-wave dynamics through interface engineering, material design, and external stimuli such as the strength and orientation
of the applied magnetic field [2,3]. In this talk, I will present two recent experimental studies that demonstrate how engineered interfaces in magnetic heterostructures can be used to tailor magnetization
dynamics and spin-wave properties for future spintronic and magnonic applications. First, I will discuss the static and dynamic magnetic properties of CoFeB/NiO/CoFeB ferromagnet/antiferromagnet/ferromagnet trilayers. These heterostructures are particularly attractive
because the exchange coupling at the ferromagnet/antiferromagnet interfaces gives rise to rich magnetic phenomena, including exchange bias and magnetic anisotropy, providing an effective route to engineer
spin-wave properties [4]. By systematically varying the NiO spacer thickness, we demonstrate a tunable two-fold magnetic anisotropy originating from the interfacial exchange coupling, which strongly
modifies the magnetization dynamics of the trilayer system. In the second part of the talk, I will discuss the modification of the magnetic properties of epitaxial La0.67Sr0.33MnO (LSMO)thin films through the deposition of a light metallic overlayer. LSMO is a half-metallic ferromagnet with a Curie temperature above room temperature, low magnetic damping, and colossal magnetoresistance, making it a promising material for high-frequency spintronic applications[5,6]. I will demonstrate how interface engineering provides an effective pathway to tailor its magnetic properties, offering new opportunities for designing next generation magnonic and spintronic devices.
References
- M. Krawczyk, D. Grundler Journal of physics: Condensed matter 26, 123202 (2014)
- R. Mehta, et al. J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 35, 324002 (2023).
- R. Mehta and S. Saha, Phys. Rev. Applied 24, 054034 (2025)
- J. Zhou, et.al. Phys. Rev. B, 101, 214434 (2020)
- J.-H. Park et. Al Nature, 392, 794, (1998)
- S. Jin, et. Al. Science, 264, 413, (1994)