Spintronics II: magnonics, rf dynamics and ultrafast spintronics
In a nutshell
The aim of this research topic is to study and exploit magnetization dynamics on different time and frequency scales for new spintronic devices. Our work focuses on the phenomena of collective spin excitations (magnons), the generation of magnetization dynamics by spin transfer torque, and the use of ultrafast demagnetization to emit THz radiation. Beyond the fundamental study of physical phenomena, we aim to develop devices for analog computing, radiofrequency electronics, energy recovery, ultra-sensitive sensors and spintronic emitters from visible to THz.
Magnons, as quanta of spin waves, are the collective spin excitations. We explore magnon properties in a variety of magnetic materials. By utilizing spintronic phenomena such as spin-orbit torques, our aim is to investigate novel phenomena such as magnon Bose-Einstein Condensate and magnon coupling to quantum degrees of freedom. Concurrently, we seek to develop innovative devices and technologies that harness these unique properties, particularly for applications in radio-frequency electronics, analog computing, and neuromorphic computing.
Nano-oscillators for rf spintronics
Spintronic nano-oscillators (STNO) based on the spin-transfer dynamics of a magnetic vortex are model systems on which we have been working for over 15 years. Understanding their spin-transfer dynamic behavior and their detection and/or emission properties in the radiofrequency range enables us to study complex dynamic regimes of strongly coupled nano-oscillators, aiming at developing ultra-sensitive sensors or optimizing their performance as rf energy harvesters or wake-up receivers.
Spintronics at interfaces: radiation emission from visible to THz
The conversion of spin-polarized current into radiation (visible or THz) offers new opportunities for information coding. Two distinct aspects are addressed in this research operation: emission/absorption in the visible, and emission in the THz spectral range.
In the visible, one of the goal is to extend the result from the spin light emission diode (LED) to Vertical-External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VECSEL). In the terahertz range, shining femtosecond laser pulses on bilayers made of a magnetic material and of an active spin-orbit layer results in a large and broadband THz (1-30 THz) emission. The light absorption lead to an ultrafast demagnetization process and the generation of spin-polarized hot carriers. The associated ultra-fast spin-current can efficiently be converted in a lateral THz charge current through bulk inverse spin-Hall effects (ISHE) in materials like heavy metals (Pt, W or Ta), and/or directly at the interface through inverse Rashba-Edelstein effects (IREE) in presence of polarized surface states like in topological insulators (Bi1-xSbx ,Bi2Se3 ,..). Such fundamental physical processes are at the origin of several novel concepts of spin-based THz spintronic devices.
True amplification of spin waves in magnonic nano-waveguides
Magnonic nano-devices exploit magnons - quanta of spin waves - to transmit and process information within a single integrated platform that has the potential to outperform traditional semiconductor-based electronics.
From Earth to Mars: Transporting spin information at the speed of light !
Scientists have successfully modulated magnetic information using electrical pulses while converting it into a polarized light signal. This discovery, described in the journal Nature, could revolutionize long-distance optical telecommunications.
Emission of coherent THz magnons in an antiferromagnetic insulator triggered by ultrafast spin–phonon interactions
Free-space THz emission resulting from the femtosecond demagnetization of a spintronic THz emitter, and the subsequent spin-charge conversion in high spin-orbit material, has recently been...
Spin-pumping and magnetization dynamics in antiferromagnets
Spintronics utilizes the electronic spin for information processing and microelectronics. Currently, spintronic devices are mostly based on ferromagnetic device architectures. In view of long-term perspectives...
Researcher/lecturer Université Paris-Saclay
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PhD student
Post-doc
Thales Researcher
CNRS Engineer
CNRS Engineer
Thales Researcher
CNRS Engineer
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CNRS Researcher
Emeritus Professor Université Paris-Saclay
CNRS Researcher
CNRS Engineer
PhD student
CNRS Researcher
Thales Researcher
Post-doc
Post-doc
Thales Researcher
CNRS Researcher
Thales Engineer
Post-doc
CNRS Engineer