Reconfigurable wave band structure of an artificial square ice

• DOI: 10.1103/physrevb.93.134420
• Publication Date: 2016-04-18T22:11:44Z
• Authors: Ezio Iacocca; Sebastian Gliga; Robert L. Stamps; Olle Heinonen
• Keywords: Square (algebra)

Artificial square ices are structures composed of magnetic nanoelements arranged on the sites a two-dimensional lattice, such that there four interacting elements at each vertex, leading to geometrical frustration. Using semianalytical approach, we show exhibit rich spin-wave band structure is tunable both by external fields and magnetization configuration individual elements. Internal degrees freedom can give rise equilibrium states with bent element edges characteristic excitations; in presence magnetostatic interactions these form separate bands analogous impurity semiconductors. Full-scale micromagnetic simulations corroborate our approach. Our results artificial be viewed as reconfigurable magnonic crystals used metamaterials for spin-wave-based applications nanoscale.