Glaces kagomé de spins artificiels : de la dégénérescence à courte-portée vers l'ordre dipolaire

Artificial spin networks were initially proposed as toy-spin models destined for the investigation of magnetic frustration effects in two-dimensional spin lattices, a complementary approach to the study of the magnetic frustration encountered in spin ice pyrochlores. Generally fabricated via lithography techniques, these arrays of nano-scale magnetic islands can be designed at-will. Given the size and shape of the elements, their magnetization is almost uniform throughout their volume, thus making these islands act like classical Ising spins. Combined with the possibility of individually imaging the magnetic degrees of freedom in real space, these systems offer an almost infinite playground for the investigation of competing interactions in magnetostatic frameworks and potential for the experimental discovery of novel and exotic magnetic phases. However, unlike their condensed matter counterparts, first-generation artificial spin networks are insensitive to thermal fluctuations, requiring other driving mechanisms for accessing their complex low-energy manifolds. A field-protocol has been employed for driving such networks towards their ground-state configurations, although they only partially manage to accommodate pair-island interactions. More recently, thermally-active artificial spin networks have been introduced, surpassing the limits of demagnetized arrays in the quest for exotic low-energy spin textures.This thesis presents experimental and numerical studies performed on artificial kagome spin arrays, one of the most frustrated two-dimensional lattices. The kagome spin ice geometry has received most of the community's attention as it presents highly degenerate manifolds and unconventional spin textures. Within a dipolar long-range framework, it displays a low-temperature regime characterized by the coexistence of a crystalline phase, associated to the magnetic charge, and a disordered spin lattice. While demagnetizing such artificial kagome arrays cannot access this exotic state, thermally-active networks can locally retrieve such a phase, creating crystallites of antiferromagnetically-ordered magnetic charges. The first part of this work presents the experimental protocol employed to this purpose. A kinetic model is also proposed that successfully captures the observed experimental features and explains the efficiency of this approach.The second part of the current thesis presents a study of a novel artificial spin ice system, the artificial kagome Ising network. This network primarily differs from the kagome spin ice array by having its magnetic moments pointing along the vertical axis. A recent study of this system has concluded that, after demagnetization, these two artificial kagome networks display similar pairwise spin correlation development and their final frozen states can be well characterized by short-range interaction models. Through the use of demagnetization protocols, magnetic force microscopy and Monte Carlo simulations, it is demonstrated that long-range dipolar interactions between the magnetic elements cannot be neglected when describing the remanent states of demagnetized artificial kagome Ising networks. These results assess the limits of the reported universal behavior of artificial kagome lattices and enrich the spectrum of magnetic phases that could be achieved with such nanostructured systems. Indeed, Monte Carlo simulations indicate that this kagome Ising network presents a different low-energy behavior than kagome spin ice, the incipient stages of which have been accessed experimentally, but its dipolar ground-state configuration remains unknown. Nevertheless, by inspecting the low-temperature thermodynamic features of this array and through the use of a geometrical construction, a ground-state candidate is provided.Les réseaux artificiels de spin ont été initialement introduites pour l'étude des effets de frustration géométrique dans des réseaux bidimensionnelles de spin, un approche complémentaire à l'étude de la frustration rencontré dans les glaces pyrochlores de spin. Généralement fabriqués en utilisant des techniques de lithographie, ces réseaux de nanoaimants peuvent être élaborer avec une grande degré de liberté. Etant donné la taille et la forme de ces plots magnétiques, l'aimantation est presque uniforme dans tout leur volume, un aspect qui fait que ces aimants peuvent être considérés comme des spin Ising classique géants. Avec la possibilité d'imager chacun degrée de liberté magnétique dans l'espace direct, ces systèmes offrent un large spectre d'opportunités pour l'étude de la frustration dans un cadre magnétostatiques bidimensionnelle et la potentielle découverte de phases magnétiques exotiques. Toutefois, contrairement à leurs homologues de la matière condensée, la première génération de glaces de spin artificiels sont pratiquement insensibles aux fluctuations thermiques. Par conséquence, d'autres dynamiques sont nécessaires pour amener ces systèmes vers leurs variétés de basse énergie et un protocole de désaimantation a été généralement utilisé dans ce sens, mais ce processus arrivent à accommoder juste partiellement les interactions entre les nanoaimants. Plus récemment, des réseaux artificiels de spin thermiquement-actives ont été introduits, permettant de dépasser les limitations des réseaux désaimantes pour la recherche des textures de spin exotiques.Cette thèse présente des études expérimentales et numériques réalisés sur des réseaux kagomé de spin. La glace artificielle kagomé planaire a été un point central d'intérêt pendant les dernières années, grâce à ses variétés énergétiques hautement dégénérés et aux textures de spin non-conventionnelles. Ainsi, dans un cadre magnétostatique, il présent une phase exotique caractérisée par la coexistence d'un état cristallin, associée à la charge magnétique, et un réseau de spin désordonnés. Bien que la désaimantation n'arrive pas d'accéder cet état remarquable, les réseaux thermiquement actives ont réussi de créer des cristallites de cette phase. La première partie de ce travail présente le protocole expérimental utilisé pour réaliser cet état. En plus, un modèle cinétique est proposé qui reproduit avec succès les caractéristiques observées et explique l'efficacité de cette approche.Dans un deuxième temps, un étude sur un nouveau système de glace de spin artificielle est présenté: le réseau kagomé Ising artificielle. Ce système présentent des moments magnétiques qui pointent selon l'axe verticale, contrairement au réseau kagomé planaire. Un étude récent sur ce système a conclu que, après la démagnétisation, ces deux réseaux kagomé artificiels présentent des corrélations de spins similaires et leurs états magnétiques rémanentes peuvent être bien caractérisées par des modèles de spin basés sur des interactions à courte portée. Avec des protocoles de désaimantation, des mesures de microscopie à force magnétique et des simulations Monte Carlo, il est montré que les interactions dipolaires à longue portée entre les éléments magnétiques ne peuvent pas être négligés lors de la description des états rémanents des réseaux kagome Ising artificiels désaimantées. Ces résultats limitent la validité du comportement universel entre les deux réseaux kagomé artificiels et enrichissent la palette de phases magnétiques qui peuvent être réaliser avec de tels systèmes nanostructurés. Les simulations Monte Carlo indiquent que ce réseau kagomé Ising présente un comportement de basse énergie différente de la glace kagomé planaire, mais la variétés fondamentale dans ce cadre dipolaire reste inconnu. Toutefois, en inspectant ses caractéristiques thermodynamiques à basse température et grâce une construction géométrique, un candidat pour l'état fondamental est fourni

Nanoscale magnetophotonics

This Perspective surveys the state-of-the-art and future prospects of science and technology employing the nanoconfined light (nanophotonics and nanoplasmonics) in combination with magnetism. We denote this field broadly as nanoscale magnetophotonics. We include a general introduction to the field and describe the emerging magneto-optical effects in magnetoplasmonic and magnetophotonic nanostructures supporting localized and propagating plasmons. Special attention is given to magnetoplasmonic crystals with transverse magnetization and the associated nanophotonic non-reciprocal effects, and to magneto-optical effects in periodic arrays of nanostructures. We give also an overview of the applications of these systems in biological and chemical sensing, as well as in light polarization and phase control. We further review the area of nonlinear magnetophotonics, the semiconductor spin-plasmonics, and the general principles and applications of opto-magnetism and nano-optical ultrafast control of magnetism and spintronics

Observation of the nonlinear Wood's anomaly on periodic arrays of nickel nanodimers

Linear and nonlinear magneto-photonic properties of periodic arrays of nickel nanodimers are governed by the interplay of the (local) optical response of individual nanoparticles and (non-local) diffraction phenomena, with a striking example of Wood's anomaly. Angular and magnetic-field dependencies of the second harmonic intensity evidence Wood's anomaly when new diffraction orders emerge. Near-infrared spectroscopic measurements performed at different optical wavelengths and grating constants discriminate between the linear and nonlinear excitation mechanisms of Wood's anomalies. In the nonlinear regime the Wood's anomaly is characterized by an order-of-magnitude larger effect in intensity redistribution between the diffracted beams, as compared to the linear case. The nonlinear Wood's anomaly manifests itself also in the nonlinear magnetic contrast highlighting the prospects of nonlinear magneto-photonics.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figure

Magnetic order and energy-scale hierarchy in artificial spin ice

In order to explain and predict the properties of many physical systems, it is essential to understand the interplay of different energy-scales. Here we present investigations of the magnetic order in thermalised artificial spin ice structures, with different activation energies of the interacting Ising-like elements. We image the thermally equilibrated magnetic states of the nano-structures using synchrotron-based magnetic microscopy. By comparing results obtained from structures with one or two different activation energies, we demonstrate a clear impact on the resulting magnetic order. The differences are obtained by the analysis of the magnetic spin structure factors, in which the role of the activation energies is manifested by distinct short-range order. This demonstrates that artificial spin systems can serve as model systems, allowing the definition of energy-scales by geometrical design and providing the backdrop for understanding their interplay.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures (+ supplementary 6 pages, 4 figures

Fragmentation of magnetism in artificial kagome dipolar spin ice

Geometrical frustration in magnetic materials often gives rise to exotic, low-temperature states of matter, like the ones observed in spin ices. Here we report the imaging of the magnetic states of a thermally-active artificial magnetic ice that reveal the fingerprints of a spin fragmentation process. This fragmentation corresponds to a splitting of the magnetic degree of freedom into two channels and is evidenced in both real and reciprocal space. Furthermore, the internal organization of both channels is interpreted within the framework of a hybrid spin-charge model that directly emerges from the parent spin model of the kagome dipolar spin ice. Our experimental and theoretical results provide insights into the physics of frustrated magnets and deepen our understanding of emergent fields through the use of tailor-made magnetism.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures. Published version available on the Nat. Comm. web site: http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2016/160513/ncomms11446/full/ncomms11446.htm

Size distribution of magnetic charge domains in thermally activated but out-of-equilibrium artificial spin ice

International audienceA crystal of emerging magnetic charges is expected in the phase diagram of the dipolar kagome spin ice. An observation of charge crystallites in thermally demagnetized artificial spin ice arrays has been recently reported by S. Zhang and coworkers and explained through the thermodynamics of the system as it approaches a charge-ordered state. Following a similar approach, we have generated a partial order of magnetic charges in an artificial kagome spin ice lattice made out of ferrimagnetic material having a Curie temperature of 475 K. A statistical study of the size of the charge domains reveals an unconventional sawtooth distribution. This distribution is in disagreement with the predictions of the thermodynamic model and is shown to be a signature of the kinetic process governing the remagnetization

The importance of the weak: Interaction modifiers in artificial spin ices

The modification of geometry and interactions in two-dimensional magnetic nanosystems has enabled a range of studies addressing the magnetic order, collective low-energy dynamics, and emergent magnetic properties, in e.g. artificial spin ice structures. The common denominator of all these investigations is the use of Ising-like mesospins as building blocks, in the form of elongated magnetic islands. Here we introduce a new approach: single interaction modifiers, using slave-mesospins in the form of discs, within which the mesospin is free to rotate in the disc plane. We show that by placing these on the vertices of square artificial spin ice arrays and varying their diameter, it is possible to tailor the strength and the ratio of the interaction energies. We demonstrate the existence of degenerate ice-rule obeying states in square artificial spin ice structures, enabling the exploration of thermal dynamics in a spin liquid manifold. Furthermore, we even observe the emergence of flux lattices on larger length-scales, when the energy landscape of the vertices is reversed. The work highlights the potential of a design strategy for two-dimensional magnetic nano-architectures, through which mixed dimensionality of mesospins can be used to promote thermally emergent mesoscale magnetic states.Comment: 17 pages, including methods, 4 figures. Supplementary information contains 16 pages and 15 figure

Artificial Kagome Spin Networks - From Short-Range Degeneracy towards Long-Range Dipolar Order

Les réseaux artificiels de spin ont été initialement introduites pour l'étude des effets de frustration géométrique dans des réseaux bidimensionnelles de spin, un approche complémentaire à l'étude de la frustration rencontré dans les glaces pyrochlores de spin. Généralement fabriqués en utilisant des techniques de lithographie, ces réseaux de nanoaimants peuvent être élaborer avec une grande degré de liberté. Etant donné la taille et la forme de ces plots magnétiques, l'aimantation est presque uniforme dans tout leur volume, un aspect qui fait que ces aimants peuvent être considérés comme des spin Ising classique géants. Avec la possibilité d'imager chacun degrée de liberté magnétique dans l'espace direct, ces systèmes offrent un large spectre d'opportunités pour l'étude de la frustration dans un cadre magnétostatiques bidimensionnelle et la potentielle découverte de phases magnétiques exotiques. Toutefois, contrairement à leurs homologues de la matière condensée, la première génération de glaces de spin artificiels sont pratiquement insensibles aux fluctuations thermiques. Par conséquence, d'autres dynamiques sont nécessaires pour amener ces systèmes vers leurs variétés de basse énergie et un protocole de désaimantation a été généralement utilisé dans ce sens, mais ce processus arrivent à accommoder juste partiellement les interactions entre les nanoaimants. Plus récemment, des réseaux artificiels de spin thermiquement-actives ont été introduits, permettant de dépasser les limitations des réseaux désaimantes pour la recherche des textures de spin exotiques.Cette thèse présente des études expérimentales et numériques réalisés sur des réseaux kagomé de spin. La glace artificielle kagomé planaire a été un point central d'intérêt pendant les dernières années, grâce à ses variétés énergétiques hautement dégénérés et aux textures de spin non-conventionnelles. Ainsi, dans un cadre magnétostatique, il présent une phase exotique caractérisée par la coexistence d'un état cristallin, associée à la charge magnétique, et un réseau de spin désordonnés. Bien que la désaimantation n'arrive pas d'accéder cet état remarquable, les réseaux thermiquement actives ont réussi de créer des cristallites de cette phase. La première partie de ce travail présente le protocole expérimental utilisé pour réaliser cet état. En plus, un modèle cinétique est proposé qui reproduit avec succès les caractéristiques observées et explique l'efficacité de cette approche.Dans un deuxième temps, un étude sur un nouveau système de glace de spin artificielle est présenté: le réseau kagomé Ising artificielle. Ce système présentent des moments magnétiques qui pointent selon l'axe verticale, contrairement au réseau kagomé planaire. Un étude récent sur ce système a conclu que, après la démagnétisation, ces deux réseaux kagomé artificiels présentent des corrélations de spins similaires et leurs états magnétiques rémanentes peuvent être bien caractérisées par des modèles de spin basés sur des interactions à courte portée. Avec des protocoles de désaimantation, des mesures de microscopie à force magnétique et des simulations Monte Carlo, il est montré que les interactions dipolaires à longue portée entre les éléments magnétiques ne peuvent pas être négligés lors de la description des états rémanents des réseaux kagome Ising artificiels désaimantées. Ces résultats limitent la validité du comportement universel entre les deux réseaux kagomé artificiels et enrichissent la palette de phases magnétiques qui peuvent être réaliser avec de tels systèmes nanostructurés. Les simulations Monte Carlo indiquent que ce réseau kagomé Ising présente un comportement de basse énergie différente de la glace kagomé planaire, mais la variétés fondamentale dans ce cadre dipolaire reste inconnu. Toutefois, en inspectant ses caractéristiques thermodynamiques à basse température et grâce une construction géométrique, un candidat pour l'état fondamental est fourni.Artificial spin networks were initially proposed as toy-spin models destined for the investigation of magnetic frustration effects in two-dimensional spin lattices, a complementary approach to the study of the magnetic frustration encountered in spin ice pyrochlores. Generally fabricated via lithography techniques, these arrays of nano-scale magnetic islands can be designed at-will. Given the size and shape of the elements, their magnetization is almost uniform throughout their volume, thus making these islands act like classical Ising spins. Combined with the possibility of individually imaging the magnetic degrees of freedom in real space, these systems offer an almost infinite playground for the investigation of competing interactions in magnetostatic frameworks and potential for the experimental discovery of novel and exotic magnetic phases. However, unlike their condensed matter counterparts, first-generation artificial spin networks are insensitive to thermal fluctuations, requiring other driving mechanisms for accessing their complex low-energy manifolds. A field-protocol has been employed for driving such networks towards their ground-state configurations, although they only partially manage to accommodate pair-island interactions. More recently, thermally-active artificial spin networks have been introduced, surpassing the limits of demagnetized arrays in the quest for exotic low-energy spin textures.This thesis presents experimental and numerical studies performed on artificial kagome spin arrays, one of the most frustrated two-dimensional lattices. The kagome spin ice geometry has received most of the community's attention as it presents highly degenerate manifolds and unconventional spin textures. Within a dipolar long-range framework, it displays a low-temperature regime characterized by the coexistence of a crystalline phase, associated to the magnetic charge, and a disordered spin lattice. While demagnetizing such artificial kagome arrays cannot access this exotic state, thermally-active networks can locally retrieve such a phase, creating crystallites of antiferromagnetically-ordered magnetic charges. The first part of this work presents the experimental protocol employed to this purpose. A kinetic model is also proposed that successfully captures the observed experimental features and explains the efficiency of this approach.The second part of the current thesis presents a study of a novel artificial spin ice system, the artificial kagome Ising network. This network primarily differs from the kagome spin ice array by having its magnetic moments pointing along the vertical axis. A recent study of this system has concluded that, after demagnetization, these two artificial kagome networks display similar pairwise spin correlation development and their final frozen states can be well characterized by short-range interaction models. Through the use of demagnetization protocols, magnetic force microscopy and Monte Carlo simulations, it is demonstrated that long-range dipolar interactions between the magnetic elements cannot be neglected when describing the remanent states of demagnetized artificial kagome Ising networks. These results assess the limits of the reported universal behavior of artificial kagome lattices and enrich the spectrum of magnetic phases that could be achieved with such nanostructured systems. Indeed, Monte Carlo simulations indicate that this kagome Ising network presents a different low-energy behavior than kagome spin ice, the incipient stages of which have been accessed experimentally, but its dipolar ground-state configuration remains unknown. Nevertheless, by inspecting the low-temperature thermodynamic features of this array and through the use of a geometrical construction, a ground-state candidate is provided

Steering light with magnetic textures

We study the steering of visible light using a combination of magneto-optical effects and the reconfigurability of magnetic domains in yttrium-iron garnet films. The spontaneously formed stripe domains are used as a field-controlled optical grating, allowing for active spatiotemporal control of light. We discuss the basic ideas behind the approach and provide a quantitative description of the field dependence of the obtained light patterns. Finally, we calculate and experimentally verify the efficiency of our magneto-optical grating

Nanoscale magnetophotonics

This Perspective surveys the state-of-the-art and future prospects of science and technology employing nanoconfined light (nanophotonics and nanoplasmonics) in combination with magnetism. We denote this field broadly as nanoscale magnetophotonics. We include a general introduction to the field and describe the emerging magneto-optical effects in magnetoplasmonic and magnetophotonic nanostructures supporting localized and propagating plasmons. Special attention is given to magnetoplasmonic crystals with transverse magnetization and the associated nanophotonic non-reciprocal effects and to magneto-optical effects in periodic arrays of nanostructures. We also give an overview of the applications of these systems in biological and chemical sensing, as well as in light polarization and phase control. We further review the area of nonlinear magnetophotonics, the semiconductor spin-plasmonics, and the general principles and applications of opto-magnetism and nano-optical ultrafast control of magnetism and spintronics