Spin Waves Revealed with X-Ray Vision

Harnessing spin waves—collective oscillations of electron spins—as carriers of information might lead to computers that are smaller, faster, and more compact than conventional devices. Now, researchers have used scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM) to directly image such spin waves in yttrium iron garnet (YIG), a magnetic insulator prized for its ability to support spin waves for relatively long periods of time. The result will lead to a better understanding of how spin waves propagate—especially those with wavelengths below 250 nm, which are deemed essential for device miniaturization.