Lectures on spintronics and magnonics

Abstract

In this series of lectures, we discuss the basic theoretical concepts of magnonics and spintronics. We first briefly recall the relevant topics from quantum mechanics, electrodynamics of continuous media, and basic theory of magnetism. We then discuss the classical theory of magnetic dynamics: ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic resonance, dynamic susceptibilities, and spin waves. We open the main discussion with phenomena of spin and exchange spin currents, spin torques, the spin Hall effect, and the spin Hall and Hanle magnetoresistance. Special emphasis is given to the effects of spin transfer torque and spin pumping, where we follow the celebrated derivation utilizing Landauer quantum multi-channel scattering matrix approach. Finally, we outline the most important features distinguishing antiferromagnetic dynamics from ferromagnetic one, which make antiferromagnets particularly promising material candidates for spintronics and magnonics.