On the realization of artificial XY spin chains

• Published in: Journal of physics. Condensed matter Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. L27 - 33
• Main Authors: van Kampen, M, Soroka, I L, Bručas, R, Hjörvarsson, B, Wieser, R, Usadel, K D, Hanson, M, Kazakova, O, Grabis, J, Zabel, H, Jozsa, C, Koopmans, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 19.01.2005; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Exact sciences and technology; General theory and models of magnetic ordering; Interfacial magnetic properties (multilayers, magnetic quantum wells, superlattices, magnetic heterostructures); Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetic properties of surface, thin films and multilayers; Physics; Spin arrangements in magnetically ordered materials (including neutron and spin-polarized electron studies, synchrotron-source x-ray scattering, etc.); Spin chain models; XY spin chain magnetization magnetic ordering anisotropy; Nickel base alloys; Inorganic compounds; Magnetization; Lithography; Magnetic ordering; Magnetic moments; Spin chain; XY model; Nanostructures; Deposition process; Thin films; Spin dynamics; Permalloy; Anisotropy; Aluminium oxides
• ISSN: 0953-8984; 1361-648X; 1361-648X
• DOI: 10.1088/0953-8984/17/2/L04

Spin chains are the most elementary entities in the study of magnetic ordering behaviour. In this letter, we describe a route toward the realization of artificial XY spin chains. Using thin-film deposition and e-beam lithography, 300 and 550 nm diameter pillars consisting of alternating discs of permalloy and Al2O3 have been made. Shape anisotropy forces the magnetization in plane, creating a chain of two-dimensional magnetic moments Si. The discs couple to each other by their dipolar stray fields, resulting in an interaction of the form JijSi * Sj, with Jij the coupling between discs i and j. This form closely resembles a chain of xy spins, coupled by effective interactions Jij. We present a magnetic characterization of the pillars, and compare the results with model calculations. Also, spin dynamics and ordering phenomena are addressed.