Remote detection and recording of atomic-scale spin dynamics

Abstract

Atomic spin structures assembled by means of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) provide valuable insight into the understanding of atomic-scale magnetism. Among the major challenges are the detection and subsequent read-out of ultrafast spin dynamics due to a dichotomy in travel speed of these dynamics and the probe tip. Here, we present a device composed of individual Fe atoms that allows for remote detection of spin dynamics. We have characterized the device and used it to detect the presence of spin waves originating from an excitation induced by the STM tip several nanometres away; this may be extended to much longer distances. The device contains a memory element that can be consulted seconds after detection, similar in functionality to e.g. a single photon detector. We performed statistical analysis of the responsiveness to remote spin excitations and corroborated the results using basic calculations of the free evolution of coupled quantum spins.

Free coherent evolution of a coupled atomic spin system initialized by electron scattering

“…Individual magnetic atoms can be spatially arranged and studied by means of spin-polarized tunneling (2, 3) and electron tunneling spectroscopy (4,5), allowing physicists to probe their local magnetization state and energy configuration, respectively. However, because of their slow time scales, these techniques have been able to observe the dynamic spin processes only indirectly (6)(7)(8).…”