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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - SPINCAD (Spin correlations by atomic design)

Teaser

Summary

Quantum mechanics, while fully worked-out and understood in fundamental terms, gives rise to completely unpredictable material properties on length-scales exceeding tens of atoms. A prime example of such emergent behaviour is found in the field of magnetism. In this research, test structures are composed of tens to hundreds of magnetic atoms coupled to each other in chains or two-dimensional structures. This is done using a technique called scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). The main objective is to learn how collective spin excitations propagate through such extended structures. In order to do this, we will develop local magnon detectors (also built from individual atoms) that allow excitations to be measured at a different location from where they were created. As such, the dynamics of excitations can be explored.
Once successful, the research will contribute to our understanding of quantum magnetism in materials. In addition, it progresses our capabilities of building and operating spin-based circuitry on the atomic scale.

Work performed

Initial focus in this project has been on our abilities to build the atomic scale components needed for our experiments. While previous experiments in this field were often limited in size due to material constraints, we have developed a new preparation technique that allows us to build arrays that may extend, in principle, to hundreds of nanometres in size.
In addition, we have worked on designing the first prototype magnon detector. Tests and improvements to the design are currently ongoing.

Final results

The research will eventually allow us to make a local spin excitation in an exactly configured atomic spin architecture, and then measure the result of that excitation locally at a position away from the insertion point. This will give us unprecedented insight into the propagation of collective spin excitations such as magnons and spinons.