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Surface acoustic wave driven acoustic spin splitter in d-wave altermagnetic thin films

Pieter M. Gunnink, Jairo Sinova, Alexander Mook

Abstract

The generation of spin currents is a key challenge in the field of spintronics. We propose using surface acoustic waves (SAWs) to generate spin currents in altermagnetic thin films, thereby realizing an acoustic spin splitter. Altermagnets, characterized by spin-polarized electrons and magnons, provide a versatile platform where SAWs can drive spin currents carried by both charge carriers and magnons. This acoustic spin splitter can be implemented in both metallic and insulating altermagnetic thin films, offering broad material applicability and a novel way to detect the spin splitter effect in insulating altermagnetic thin film. We examine a realistic experimental setup where a heavy metal layer, such as platinum, is used to convert the spin current into a measurable charge current via the inverse spin Hall effect. For representative material parameters, we calculate the expected spin current and the corresponding inverse spin Hall voltage. Furthermore, we demonstrate that tuning the SAW frequency allows for precise control over the spin current, highlighting the versatility and potential of the acoustic spin splitter for future spintronics applications.

Surface acoustic wave driven acoustic spin splitter in d-wave altermagnetic thin films

Abstract

The generation of spin currents is a key challenge in the field of spintronics. We propose using surface acoustic waves (SAWs) to generate spin currents in altermagnetic thin films, thereby realizing an acoustic spin splitter. Altermagnets, characterized by spin-polarized electrons and magnons, provide a versatile platform where SAWs can drive spin currents carried by both charge carriers and magnons. This acoustic spin splitter can be implemented in both metallic and insulating altermagnetic thin films, offering broad material applicability and a novel way to detect the spin splitter effect in insulating altermagnetic thin film. We examine a realistic experimental setup where a heavy metal layer, such as platinum, is used to convert the spin current into a measurable charge current via the inverse spin Hall effect. For representative material parameters, we calculate the expected spin current and the corresponding inverse spin Hall voltage. Furthermore, we demonstrate that tuning the SAW frequency allows for precise control over the spin current, highlighting the versatility and potential of the acoustic spin splitter for future spintronics applications.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 1 section, 5 equations, 3 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction.

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: A surface acoustic wave (SAW) is excited in a piezoelectric at an angle $\theta$ with an altermagnetic thin film. The SAW generates a deformation and piezoelectric field, driving a transverse spin current $J_s$ in the altermagnetic thin film and into the heavy metal layer, where it generates a voltage through the inverse spin Hall effect. The inset shows the altermagnetic spin splitting of the Fermi surfaces.
  • Figure 2: The transverse spin current (left axis) and the resulting voltage in the Platinum (right axis) as a function of the angle of the SAW to the crystallographic axis. Results shown for altermagnetic films with thickness $d=10nm$ and SAW frequency $\omega/2\pi=0.5GHz$.
  • Figure 3: The transverse spin current, as a function of SAW frequency $\omega$. The top axis shows the SAW intensity $I_0$.