Nanoscale Mapping of Magnetic Auto-Oscillations with a Single Spin Sensor

Spin Hall nano-oscillators convert DC to magnetic auto-oscillations in the microwave regime. Current research on these devices is dedicated to creating next-generation energy-efficient hardware for communication technologies. Despite intensive research on magnetic auto-oscillations within the past decade, the nanoscale mapping of those dynamics remained a challenge. We image the distribution of free-running magnetic auto-oscillations by driving the electron spin resonance transition of a single spin quantum sensor, enabling fast acquisition (100 ms/pixel). With quantitative magnetometry, we experimentally demonstrate for the first time that the auto-oscillation spots are localized at magnetic field minima acting as local potential wells for confining spin-waves. By comparing the magnitudes of the magnetic stray field at these spots, we decipher the different frequencies of the auto-oscillation modes. The insights gained regarding the interaction between auto-oscillation modes and spin-wave potential wells enable advanced engineering of real devices.