Phonon amplification via magnetoelastic Klein scattering

Abstract

Materials exhibit various wave-like excitations, among which phonons (lattice vibrations) and magnons (oscillations in ferromagnetic ordering) hold significant promise for future nanoscale technologies. Exploring the interaction between these excitations may pave the way for innovative devices that leverage their complementary strengths. This article presents a setup designed to amplify an incoming phononic current, potentially enhancing the phonon lifetime. The setup consists of a non-magnetic and ferromagnetic insulator. The ferromagnet is polarized opposite to the external magnetic field with spin–orbit torque, which allows for negative-energy magnons. Phonons that are incoming from the non-magnetic side will interact with the negative-energy magnons via magnetoelastic coupling. The reflected phonon will increase in amplitude as a result of energy conservation. This interaction between negative-energy magnons and phonons is an example of Klein scattering. This work opens new avenues for the development of advanced devices that capitalize on the combined properties of phonons and magnons.