Zakeri Lori, K., Zhang, Yu, Chuang, T.-H., Kirschner, J.
Magnon lifetimes on the Fe(110) surface: The role of spin-orbit coupling
Physical Review Letters 108, (19),pp 197205/1-5 (2012)
We provide direct experimental evidence which demonstrates that, in the presence of a large spin-orbit coupling, the lifetime, amplitude, group, and phase velocity of the magnons propagating along two opposite (but crystallographically equivalent) directions perpendicular to the magnetization are different. A real time and space representation reveals that magnons with the same energy (eigenfrequency) propagate differently along two opposite directions. Our findings can inspire ideas for designing new spintronic devices.