Attenuation of propagating spin wave induced by layered nanostructures

Spin wave attenuation in the layered left perpendicularFeNi/Ptright perpendicular(6)/FeNi thin films was investigated by the time-domain electrical measurement. The spin-wave waveform was detected with an asymmetric coplanar strip transmission line, as an induced voltage flowing into a fast oscilloscope. We report that the amplitude of a spin-wave packet was systematically changed by controlling the thickness of a platinum layer, up to a maximum change of 50%. The virtues of spin wave, ultrafast propagation velocity and non-reciprocal emission, are preserved in this manner. This means that the Pt layer can manipulate an arbitral power-level of spin-wave input signal (reliable attenuator). (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3699020]