Completed project · 2016–2020
Magnetomechanical control
Magnetomechanical control of magnetization in nanoscale systems using acoustic waves
The foundation of the modern magnetoacoustic programme
This project established the experimental and computational platform that underpins the group's current work on surface-acoustic-wave-driven magnetic dynamics.
Key achievements
- Fabrication of IDTs synchronised with the 496–500 MHz pulse structure of the ALBA Synchrotron.
- Direct stroboscopic imaging of acoustic deformation and magnetization using XPEEM and XMCD.
- Modification of magnetic relaxation in nanoparticle systems under SAW excitation.
- Generation of large-amplitude magnetoacoustic waves propagating over millimetre distances.
- Control of acoustic and magnetic interference patterns.
- Observation and explanation of non-reciprocal acoustic propagation in magnetic hybrid structures.
- GPU-based MuMax3 simulations supporting the experimental results.
Scientific output
The final report lists 22 indexed publications directly associated with the project. Representative results appeared in Nature Communications, Physical Review Letters, Physical Review Applied, Journal of Synchrotron Radiation and MRS Bulletin.
Training
The project supported the doctoral research of Nahuel Statuto and contributed to the training of Sergi Lendínez and Muhammad Waqas Khaliq, together with a broad programme of bachelor and master projects.
Legacy
The techniques and scientific questions developed here led directly to SoundSpin and later to SAW-MRAM and MAGO.