Spin-wave modes in transition from a thin film to a full magnonic crystal

Abstract

Standing spin waves in thin films with a tiny periodic surface modulation are quantized in such a way that a multiple of their wavelength fits into one modulation period. This paper tackles the question how these film modes evolve into modes in a one-dimensional magnonic crystal consisting of periodic individual wire structures. By sequentially increasing the surface modulation and subsequent dynamic characterization of the same sample, simple transition rules are found connecting the modes of both systems with one another.