Nonlocal optical generation of spin and charge currents on the surface of magnetic insulators using total absorption and surface plasmons

We study the nonlocal spin and charge current generation in a finite metallic element on the surface of magnetic insulators such as yttrium iron garnet due to the absorption of the magnetic surface plasmon (MSP). Whereas a surface plasmon is completely reflected by a metal, an MSP can be absorbed due to the absence of backward states. The injection of MSP generates a voltage in the longitudinal direction parallel to the wave vector, with the voltage proportional to input power. If the metal is a ferromagnet, a spin current can also be induced in the longitudinal direction. Our results provide a way to improve upon integrated circuits of spintronics and spin wave logic devices.