We present a theoretical study of the propagation of surface magnetoelastic waves on a ferromagnetic crystal which includes the effect of the exchange energy and the pinning of surface spins. The magnetoelastic wave is in essence a Rayleigh wave modified by the magnetoelastic coupling. Large deviations from the Rayleigh-wave propagation characteristics are found in the frequency range where bulk spin waves propagate and where surface spin waves propagate. The deviations associated with the surface spin wave are very sensitive to both exchange and pinning conditions, while those associated with the bulk spin waves are insensitive.

• Received 30 January 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.17.4327