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Deterministic control of nanomagnetic spiral trajectories using an electric field

Author

Listed:
  • Samuel H. Moody

    (Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)
    Durham University
    Institute for Energy Technology)

  • Matthew T. Littlehales

    (Durham University
    Rutherford Appleton Laboratory)

  • Daniel A. Mayoh

    (University of Warwick)

  • Geetha Balakrishnan

    (University of Warwick)

  • Diego Alba Venero

    (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory)

  • Peter D. Hatton

    (Durham University)

  • Jonathan S. White

    (Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI))

Abstract

The intertwined nature of magnetic and electric degrees of freedom in magnetoelectric (ME) materials is well described by ME-coupling theory. When an external electric field is applied to a ME material, the ME coupling induces unique and intriguing magnetic responses. Such responses underpin the utilisation of ME materials across diverse applications, ranging from electromagnetic sensing to low-energy digital memory technologies. Here, we use small angle neutron scattering and discover a novel magnetic response within an archetypal chiral ME material, Cu2OSeO3. We find that the propagation direction of an incommensurate magnetic spiral is deterministically actuated and deflected along controllable trajectories. Furthermore, we predict the emergence of distinct non-linear regimes of spiral-deflection behaviour with external electric and magnetic fields, unlocking innovative devices that leverage controlled and customisable variations in macroscopic polarisation and magnetisation.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel H. Moody & Matthew T. Littlehales & Daniel A. Mayoh & Geetha Balakrishnan & Diego Alba Venero & Peter D. Hatton & Jonathan S. White, 2025. "Deterministic control of nanomagnetic spiral trajectories using an electric field," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60288-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60288-1
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