Generation of spin-wave pulse trains by current-controlled magnetic mirrors

The evolution of a packet of long-wavelength, dipole-dominated spin waves trapped between two direct current-carrying wires placed on the surface of a ferrite film is observed by Brillouin light scattering. The wires act as semitransparent mirrors confining the packet. Because the spin-wave energy partially passes through these mirrors, trains of spin-wave packets are generated outside the trap. A numerical model is presented and applied to the case when the current in the wires is dynamically controlled. The dynamic control of the mirror reflectivity provides new functionalities interesting for the field of spin-wave logic like that of a spin-wave memory cell.