Magnetization reversal by propagating spin waves in hybrid Py/YIG nanostructures with a SiO₂ intermediate spacer

Magnetic bit writing by short-wavelength spin waves (SWs) without conversion to the electrical domain is expected to be a game-changer for in-memory computing architectures [1]. Recently, the reversal of nanomagnets by propagating spin waves was demonstrated [2]. Experiments have not yet explored different SW wavelengths (λ). Here we report on the magnetization reversal of individual 20-nm-thick Ni₈₁Fe₁₉ (Py) nanostripes integrated onto 113-nm-thick yttrium iron garnet (YIG). An intermediate SiO₂ spacer between the YIG and the Py allows only for dipolar coupling and suppresses both exchange interaction and spin pumping. We achieved the nanomagnet reversal with SWs having different λ = 7222 nm, 195 nm and 148 nm. We found that the minimum power absorbed by the SW to initiate switching depends on the SW λ. We observed that dipolar coupling between Py/YIG alone is sufficient to trigger the nanomagnet reversal. Our results are promising towards the realization of a future magnetic memory where bits are written by propagating SWs and stimulate further research in this direction for both materials and device optimization



[1] International roadmap for devices and systems. Tech. Rep. (2020).

[2] Baumgaertl, K. and Grundler, D., 2023. Nature Communications, 14(1), p.1490.