Document type

Article

Version

Published version

Publication date

All rights reserved

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/9742

Quantum tunneling of domain walls in ferromagnets

Journal Title

Director/Tutor

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Abstract

We present a theoretical study of the quantum depinning of domain walls. Our approach extends earlier work by Stamp and confirms his suggestion that quantum tunneling of domain walls in ferromagnets may reveal itself at a macroscopic level in a manner similar to the Josephson effect in superconductors. The rate of tunneling of a domain wall through a barrier formed by a planar defect is calculated in terms of macroscopic parameters of the ferromagnet. A universal behavior of the WKB exponent in the limit of small barriers is demonstrated. The effect of dissipation on the tunneling rate is studied. It is argued that quantum diffusion of domain walls apparently explains a nonthermal magnetic relaxation observed in some materials at low temperatures.

Citation

Citation

CHUDNOVSKY, Eugene M., IGLESIAS, Òscar and STAMP, P. C. E. Quantum tunneling of domain walls in ferromagnets. Physical Review B. 1992. Vol. 46, num. 9, pags. 5392-5404. ISSN 0163-1829. [consulted: 10 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/9742

Export metadata

JSON - METS

Share record