Scientists have made significant progress in utilizing magnons, which are collective vibrations of atomic magnetic spins, for advanced information technologies, particularly in the realm of quantum systems. Magnetism plays a crucial role in various transformative technologies, from computer hard drives to power plant engines, and is expected to have an even more significant impact on emerging technologies such as quantum information transmission and processing, as well as the development of quantum computers.

A recent study led by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has uncovered a method to manipulate the collective magnetic properties of atoms in real-time, potentially paving the way for next-generation information technologies. This breakthrough could be instrumental in the advancement of quantum computers, capable of performing tasks beyond the reach of current computers, as well as on-chip technologies integrating magnetic systems onto semiconductor chips.

Every atom possesses its own magnetic spin, akin to a tiny compass needle. When these spins synchronize, they generate a wave known as a magnon. The researchers' innovative approach enables the real-time control of magnons, harnessing their information-processing capabilities.

Published in Nature Communications and npj Spintronics, the study involved the use of two small magnetic spheres made of yttrium iron garnet, connected on a chip with a superconducting resonator. This setup facilitated the transmission and reception of magnon signals between the spheres.

The researchers observed that sending a single energy pulse between the spheres resulted in synchronized oscillations, demonstrating coherent energy transfer between the distant spheres. By sending two energy pulses through the magnetic chip setup, they found that the pulses could either reinforce each other or cancel out, depending on the timing between them. This interference phenomenon highlighted the potential for magnons to interact, similar to overlapping waves in water.

Through the transmission of multiple energy pulses, intricate interference patterns were created, akin to the diffraction of light into various beams. This showcases the possibility of executing complex signal and transmission operations using magnons.

The team's findings indicated that the magnetic excitation in their on-chip setup achieved nearly perfect interference, a critical aspect for leveraging the potential of magnons in diverse applications. This innovative approach could revolutionize information processing using magnons, with implications for quantum computers and other advanced technologies.

By exploring the use of magnetic materials for quantum information processing, researchers aim to enhance quantum computers with unique functionalities specific to these systems. Magnetic materials could enable the development of on-chip isolators to reduce quantum noise and enhance clarity in quantum computing, as well as facilitate the conversion of microwave signals into optical signals for interconnecting different components of a quantum system.

This groundbreaking research builds upon previous studies to investigate the coupling of magnetization and superconductivity, as well as the manipulation of magnons in yttrium iron garnet spheres for information storage and sophisticated processing tasks. The magnonic devices were fabricated at the Center for Nanoscale Materials, a DOE Office of Science user facility at Argonne.