Spin-wave amplification and lasing driven by inhomogeneous spin transfer torques

Abstract

We show that an inhomogeneity in the spin-transfer torques in a metallic ferromagnet under suitable conditions strongly amplifies incoming spin waves. Moreover, at nonzero temperatures the incoming thermally occupied spin waves will be amplified such that the region with inhomogeneous spin transfer torques emits spin waves spontaneously, thus constituting a spin-wave laser. We determine the spin-wave scattering amplitudes for a simplified model and set-up, and show under which conditions the amplification and lasing occurs. Our results are interpreted in terms of a so-called black-hole laser, and could facilitate the field of magnonics, that aims to utilize spin waves in logic and data-processing devices.