Magnon-phonon relaxation in yttrium iron garnet from first principles

Yi Liu, Li-Shan Xie, Zhe Yuan, and Ke Xia
Phys. Rev. B 96, 174416 – Published 14 November 2017

Abstract

We combine the theoretical method of calculating spin wave excitation with the finite-temperature modeling of lattice vibration and calculate the magnon-phonon relaxation time in the technologically important material yttrium iron garnet (YIG) from first principles. The finite lifetime of magnon excitation is found to arise from the fluctuation of the exchange interaction of magnetic atoms in YIG. At room temperature, the magnon spectra have significant broadening that is used to extract the magnon-phonon relaxation time quantitatively. The latter is a phenomenological parameter of great importance in YIG-based spintronics research. We find that the magnon-phonon relaxation time for the optical magnon is a constant, while that for the acoustic magnon is proportional to 1/k2 in the long-wavelength regime.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 20 July 2017

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.96.174416

©2017 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

  1. Physical Systems
Condensed Matter, Materials & Applied Physics

Authors & Affiliations

Yi Liu1, Li-Shan Xie1, Zhe Yuan1, and Ke Xia1,2

  • 1The Center for Advanced Quantum Studies and Department of Physics, Beijing Normal University, 100875 Beijing, China
  • 2Synergetic Innovation Center for Quantum Effects and Applications (SICQEA), Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 96, Iss. 17 — 1 November 2017

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review B

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×