Spin wave interferometer employing a local nonuniformity of the effective magnetic field

We have investigated scattering of exchange spin waves by a model nonuniformity of the effective magnetic field. In particular, certain profiles of the nonuniformity are characterized by a total transmission of the spin wave intensity while inducing large shifts to the phase of transmitted spin waves. These properties are discussed in the context of potential application within a spin wave logic device-a spin wave interferometer containing such a nonuniformity in one of its branches. We demonstrate limitations imposed upon the size and the speed of operation of such a device by a requirement that it be controlled by an external uniform magnetic field. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.