NOAH: NOnlineAr coHerent plasmon-magnonics

• Applicants: Dr. Davide Bossini; Dr. Pieter Gunnink; Professor Dr. Alexander Mook
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics ; Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 575643148

The digitalization of our society relies on data-hungry technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. The further development of these revolutionary instruments cannot be sustained by present-day information technology: higher-speed and more energy-efficiency in the data processing and storage are required. Novel schemes relying on laser pulses driving collective spin excitations, namely, magnons, is expected to establish data processing at THz rates and limited energy dissipations. However, any novel scheme must be compatible with the currently employed schemes, which are based on charges. The main scientific challenge thus involves the conversion of spins signals to charges at THz rate avoiding major energy dissipations, which is achieved by means of coherent collective excitations. In our project we propose an essentially novel concept, bridging the gap between two different research areas. We aim at coupling coherent magnons with coherent electronic collective excitations, named plasmons. The resulting nonlinear plasmonic and magnonic dynamics will involve both low-momentum(energy) and high-momentum(energy) magnons coherently driven via laser pulses. More concretely this project will address two fundamental questions: Can coherent zone-center magnons modulate the frequency and propagation properties of plasmons? Can zone-edge high-energy magnons resonantly drive plasmons? This project is a joint theoretical and experimental effort. From the theoretical side, we will microscopically model material specific heterostructures to predict the interaction between coherent magnons and plasmons. Experimentally we will perform (magneto)-optical time-resolved measurements in a broad spectral range, spanning from the mid-infrared to the visible range.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Spain
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Paolo Vavassori