We explore the impact of spin disorder associated with structural defects on antiferromagnetic magnon transport by probing the spin-flop transition of ${\mathrm{Cr}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ using spin Seebeck effect measurements. By fabricating homoepitaxial ${\mathrm{Cr}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ films grown on smooth ${\mathrm{Cr}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ crystals, we systematically vary the thickness of the films in which the presence of point defects modulates the spin-flop transition field. We find that magnon propagation through the film is entirely suppressed for film thickness greater than 3 nm, revealing the pivotal role of disorder in governing antiferromagnetic magnon transport.

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• Magnons
• Spin Seebeck effect
• Spin current
• Disordered systems
• Magnetic thin films
• Transition metal oxides
• Epitaxy
• Physical vapor deposition