Is 6G Technology Coming to Reality? Unusual Collective Resonance at High Frequencies in Magnetic Superstructures Detected

Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University and their colleagues recently detected an unprecedented collective resonance at high frequencies in magnetic superstructure identified as a "chiral spin soliton lattice or CSL, revealing that CSL-hosting chiral helimagnets as a potential material for 6G technology.

The study answers the question, "When will 6G be a reality?" as specified in a Phys.org report. Essentially, the race to realize the 6G or sixth-generation wireless communication systems necessitates the development of appropriate magnetic materials.

Communication technologies of the future need expansion of the frequency band from the existing few gigahertz or GHz to more than 100 GHz.

Such high frequencies are not yet plausible, given the present magnetic materials used in communication equipment can only echo and absorb microwaves up to roughly 70 GHz with a practical-strength magnetic field.

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(Photo: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Such a wideband and variable frequency characteristic exceeds 5G and is anticipated to be used in the research and development of next-gen communication technologies.

Filling the Gap in Technology and Knowledge

Filling this gap in technology and knowledge, the study authors led by Professor Yoshihiko Togawa from Osaka Metropolitan University into the so-called CSL or helicoidal spin superstructure.

Explaining what CSL is, Professor Togawa said it has a "tunable structure in periodicity." It means that it can be continuously modulated by altering the external magnetic field strength.

Furthermore, the professor also said that the CSL phonon mode or collective resonance mode, when the kinks of the CSL are oscillating collectively around their equilibrium position, enables frequency ranges broader than those for conventional ferromagnetic materials.

As indicated in the stud published in Physical Review Letters, the CSL mode has been understood theoretically, although never observed in experiments.

Experimenting with a Typical Chiral Magnetic Crystal

Seeking the CSL phonon mode, the researchers experimented on CrNb3S6, a typical chiral magnetic crystal that hosts CSL.

They initially yielded CSL in CrNb3S6 and observed its resonance behavior under changing outer magnetic field strengths. A specially designed microwave circuit was employed to detect magnetic resonance signals.

Moreover, the scientists observed resonance in three models called the "Kittle mode," the "asymmetric mode," and lastly, the "multiple resonance mode," a similar ELE Times report specified.

In the Kittle mode, akin to what has been observed in conventional ferromagnetic materials, the resonance frequency rises only if the magnetic field strength increases.

Creating the high frequencies needed for 6G would require an impractically strong magnetic field. The CSL phonon did not exist in the asymmetric mode, either.

Lastly, in the multiple resonance modes, the CSL phonon was identified. Opposite of what has been observed in magnetic materials currently being utilized, the frequency spontaneously rises when the magnetic field strength reduces.

Exceeding 5G Technology

This exceptional phenomenon will potentially allow a boost to over 100 GHz with a somewhat weak magnetic field; such a boost is a much-needed mechanism for attaining 5G operability.

Dr. Yusuke Shimamoto, the study's first author, noted that they succeeded n observing the resonance motion for the first time.

Because of its excellent structural controllability, the resonance frequency can be regulated over a wide band up to the sub-terahertz band.

Such a wideband and variable frequency characteristic exceeds 5G and is anticipated to be used in the research and development of next-gen communication technologies.

Related information about 6G technology is shown on Seeker's YouTube video below: