Observation of spin-current striction in a magnet

The interplay among magnetization and deformation of solids has long been an important issue in magnetism, the elucidation of which has made great progress in material physics. Controlling volume and shapes of matter is now indispensable to realizing various actuators for precision machinery and nanotechnology. Here, we show that the volume of a solid can be manipulated by injecting a spin current: a spin current volume effect (SVE). By using a magnet Tb 0.3 Dy 0.7 Fe 2 exhibiting strong spin-lattice coupling, we demonstrate that the sample volume changes in response to a spin current injected by spin Hall effects. Theoretical calculation reflecting spin-current induced modulation of magnetization fluctuation well reproduces the experimental results. The SVE expands the scope of spintronics into making mechanical drivers. Manipulation of sample volume by spin current could lead to spintronics-based mechanical devices, such as actuators operating without electricity. Here, the authors report that the thickness of thin films of the ferromagnetic material Tb 0.3 Dy 0.7 Fe 2 changes in response to a spin current injected by means of spin Hall effects.