Spin waves dynamics for spintronic computational devices
Primary supervisor
Additional information
- [1] R.L. Stamps et al. "The 2014 Magnetism Roadmap" J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 47 (2014) 333001
- [2] Waring et al. In preparation.
- [3] Wohlh??ter et al. "Nanoscale switch for vortex polarization mediated by Bloch core formation in magnetic hybrid systems" Nature Comms. 6 (2015) 7836.
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Other projects with the same supervisor
Funding
- Competition Funded Project (Students Worldwide)
This research project is one of a number of projects at this institution. It is in competition for funding with one or more of these projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding. Applications for this project are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full department and project details for further information.
Project description
Spin waves (magnons) are fundamental excitations found in magnetically ordered materials. Recently spin wave phenomena have been proposed as a new paradigm for dedicated computational tasks due to the inherently low energy of this type of excitation. Spin waves have high potential for nanostructured magnetic devices able to perform a set of important computational tasks such as pattern recognition, convolution, and Fourier transformations. Additionally, the generation, detection and manipulation of spin waves are key enabling technologies for microwave processing, magnetic sensing as well as for unconventional logic.
In order to understand the potential of spin waves, the physics of new materials needs to be explored. It has very recently been realized that high frequencies, towards THz, can be generated using antiferromagnets and we have already succeeded in demonstrating high frequencies from a synthetic antiferromagnetic system [2] which provides a solid platform for this project. Similarly, exploring the potential of materials with perpendicular anisotropy (PMA) provides exciting avenues for developing spin wave technologies. For example, there is a class of thin films with L10 ordering (MnAl, FePt, MnAlGe, FePtPd) which possess the very high PMA needed to generate high frequencies. Extensions to these ideas are so-called hybrid systems, where in addition to a layer containing perpendicular magnetization other 2D layers with including those with in-plane anisotropy [3].
In this project, the aim is to develop the understanding necessary to create high frequency spin wave devices using the emerging ideas for new atomically engineered materials. This is an experimental project involving depositing and characterization of atomically layered magnetic films, creating devices using lithography and measuring them using ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) and advanced electrical measurements (e.g. non-local geometry) to understand their high frequency properties. The project will use the state-of-the-art instrumentation and facilities for magnetism and nanodevice research in Manchester where we have a wide range of nanoscale magnetism activities. There will also be opportunities to interact with our existing collaborators in laboratories across Europe.
Person specification
For information
- Candidates must hold a minimum of an upper Second Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
- Candidates must meet the School's minimum English Language requirement.
- Candidates will be expected to comply with the University's policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Essential
Applicants will be required to evidence the following skills and qualifications.
- You must be capable of performing at a very high level.
- You must have a self-driven interest in uncovering and solving unknown problems and be able to work hard and creatively without constant supervision.
Desirable
Applicants will be required to evidence the following skills and qualifications.
- You will have good time management.
- You will possess determination (which is often more important than qualifications) although you'll need a good amount of both.
General
Applicants will be required to address the following.
- Comment on your transcript/predicted degree marks, outlining both strong and weak points.
- Discuss your final year Undergraduate project work - and if appropriate your MSc project work.
- How well does your previous study prepare you for undertaking Postgraduate Research?
- Why do you believe you are suitable for doing Postgraduate Research?