Physics Researchers Map Energy Flow in Copper Oxide
A new study reveals how magnons dissipate energy within a crystal lattice over several timescales.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Physics
Researchers have mapped the energy flow between electrons, spins, and the crystal lattice in copper oxide. The study identifies a distinct bottleneck in energy transfer caused by a dispersion mismatch.
Why it matters
Understanding how magnons transfer energy could enable logic operations in future spintronic devices. Adjusting these lifetimes through materials design offers a path to more efficient technology.
The study utilized pump-probe measurements at SwissFEL alongside time-resolved resonant diffuse scattering and X-ray diffraction. A significant three orders of magnitude delay separates initial magnon generation from final energy transfer to the crystal lattice.
The players
Paul Scherrer Institute
This Swiss research center operates large-scale facilities like SwissFEL for multi-disciplinary scientific investigation.
ETH Zurich
This public research university in Switzerland is a leading institution for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
SwissFEL
This is a hard X-ray free-electron laser facility used for high-speed, time-resolved experimental physics measurements.
The details
An ultrashort optical laser pulse excited electrons, generating magnons across momentum space within femtoseconds. These magnons scattered into a quasi-thermal state over picoseconds before finally transferring energy to the lattice as phonons.
Timeline
Magnons were generated across momentum space within femtoseconds.
Magnons scattered and settled into a quasi-thermal state over picoseconds.
Magnons transferred energy to the lattice after nanoseconds.
The Big Picture
The discovery regarding magnon lifetimes directly informs the development of antiferromagnetic spintronic devices. This research shifts the current theoretical paradigm by identifying how to potentially harness long-lived magnons for future logic operations.
This research could eventually lead to faster and more efficient computer processors by utilizing spintronics rather than conventional electronics. These findings provide the technical foundation needed to engineer future hardware components with improved energy management.
The takeaway
This study shows that magnon-phonon dispersion mismatches are the primary factor limiting energy transfer speeds. Scientists may soon use these findings to design materials that extend magnon lifetimes for advanced computing.
Further reading
Learn more about ongoing research in Physics.
