arXiv subjects

Pratyay Mukherjee

Publications and source records attributed to Pratyay Mukherjee.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The interplay of crystal-field transitions and exchange spin dynamics in a ferrimagnet

Rare-earth iron garnets offer an ideal platform for exploring the interplay of low-energy excitations and the complex temperature-dependent magnetization dynamics. In these systems, exchange coupling between rare-earth and iron sublattices generates high-frequency collective spin excitations. In addition, the robust spin-orbit coupling of localized 4$f$ electrons triggers the crystal-electric-field (CEF) transitions at THz frequencies. Despite extensive research into the garnet spin dynamics, the interplay between CEF excitations and exchange modes has remained largely unmapped. Using temperature-dependent THz time-domain spectroscopy, we demonstrate a hybridization between the Yb-ion CEF excitation and the Yb-Fe exchange mode in Gd$_{3/2}$Yb$_{1/2}$BiFe$_{5}$O$_{12}$. This coupling is characterized by a significant redistribution of spectral and temporal weights as the material approaches its magnetization compensation temperature. Notably, the Yb-Fe exchange mode exhibits an anomalous redshift upon cooling -- a reversal of the conventional blue shift typically driven by increased exchange coupling. We trace this phenomenon to a modification of Yb-Fe exchange anisotropy, driven by the interplay of the Fe exchange field and Yb CEF excitations. These findings highlight the critical role of CEF-mediated exchange coupling in shaping low-energy spin dynamics, positioning rare-earth garnets as a cornerstone for future THz spintronic technologies.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2026

Ultrafast switching of antiferromagnetic order by field-derivative torque

Control of magnetic order in antiferromagnets is a central challenge in the development of next-generation spintronic devices. Here, we propose and analyze magnetization switching driven by the field-derivative torque, a torque that originates from the time-derivative of an applied THz pulse acting on the staggered order parameter. Using atomistic spin simulations, we show that the field-derivative torque couples efficiently to the Néel vector, enabling deterministic switching without net spin accumulation. Further, we show that using the circularly polarised THz pulse, the FDT-induced magnetization switching reduces the required THz magnetic field by two-fold. To this end, we compute the switching and non-switching areas as a function of THz pulse width, THz magnetic field, and damping of the antiferromagnetic material. We find that the switching and non-switching areas are completely deterministic in antiferromagnets. Moreover, the switching area increases by about 55% when the FDT is considered.

cond-mat.other↗

arXiv2025

Field-derivative torque induced magnetization reversal in ferrimagnetic Gd$_{3/2}$Yb$_{1/2}$BiFe$_5$O$_{12}$

Understanding the mechanism of spin switching in ferrimagnets via the excitation of THz pulses holds promise for future-generation magnetic memory devices. Such spin switching can be accomplished by the Zeeman torque exerted by the THz pulses on the magnetic spins. Theoretical and experimental works have established that the field-derivative of a terahertz pulse also exerts a torque, field derivative torque (FDT). Here, we investigate the role of the FDT in the spin switching in ferrimagnetic Gd$_{3/2}$Yb$_{1/2}$BiFe$_5$O$_{12}$ using a computational approach. Our results foresee that the spin switching in the presence of the FDT requires less THz magnetic fields than the spin switching without the FDT. Without the FDT terms, the spin switching in the considered system requires an extremely high magnetic field. Furthermore, we compute the switching and non-switching contour diagrams to show that the FDT tremendously enhances the possibility of spin switching. These results not only shed light on the significance of the FDT in magnetization switching but also suggest materials where the switching effect is pronounced.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2024

Role of material-dependent properties in THz field-derivative-torque-induced nonlinear magnetization dynamics

The traditional Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation has often delineated the linear and nonlinear magnetization dynamics, even at ultrashort timescales e.g., femtoseconds. In contrast, several other non-relativistic and relativistic spin torques have been reported as an extension of the LLG spin dynamics. Here, we explore the contribution of the relativistic field-derivative torque (FDT) in the nonlinear THz magnetization dynamics response applied to ferrimagnets with high Gilbert damping and exchange magnon frequency. Our findings suggest that the FDT plays a significant role in magnetization dynamics in both linear and nonlinear regimes, bridging the gap between the traditional LLG spin dynamics and experimental observations. We find that the coherent THz magnon excitation amplitude is enhanced with the field-derivative torque. Furthermore, a phase shift in the magnon oscillation is induced by the FDT term. This phase shift is almost 90 for the antiferromagnet, while it is almost zero for the ferrimagnet under our investigation. Analyzing the dual THz excitation and their FDT, we find that the nonlinear signals can not be distinctly observed without the FDT terms. However, the inclusion of the FDT terms produces distinct nonlinear signals which matches extremely well with the previously reported experimental results.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗