Thin film intermetallic materials for spintronic applications

Description

Spintronic devices manipulate the spin of the electron, rather than the charge, to perform computation, data storage and sensing. Such devices rely on thin films, with precise stoichiometry, microstructure and phase. Recent progress in materials discovery has brought to light a host of novel materials and physical phenomena which offer new means to convert sizeable pure spin currents from charge currents, and vice versa. A common theme across the diverse zoology of these materials is the coupling of spin polarisation and wavevector at the Fermi level to accumulate and/or separate spin and charge. Materials where spintronic and electronic properties are controlled by the symmetry of the underlying crystal structure offer new means to create novel devices where, by encoding information in the electron spin, data writing, storage and access can be far more energy efficient than current technologies.

In this project we will use physical vapour deposition under ultra-high vacuum to fabricate thin film intermetallic materials for spintronic applications. These represent a diverse materials class, where symmetry can be exploited, through varying composition, to influence band structure, topology, spin-charge conversion etc. The project is suited to students with an interest in condensed matter research and magnetic and spintronic materials, including novel thin film growth.

The successful candidate will join the condensed matter group within the department of Physics at the University of Liverpool. They will be associated with, and access the state-of-the-art equipment within, the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy and Materials Innovation Factory; University of Liverpool flagship institutes dedicated to the development of next-generation materials and energy research. During the project, you will become adept in a range of materials deposition, nanofabrication and characterisation techniques, including central facility-based measurements, such as polarised neutron and x-ray measurements.  As well as becoming proficient in physical vapour deposition techniques, the project will allow the student to develop skills applicable to a wide range of future research disciplines, including magneto-optical characterisation, low temperature spin and electronic transport measurements, and thin film structural characterisation. This project will offer the opportunity to collaborate and spend time in the laboratory of international partners, including, the CRISMAT laboratory in France for the measurements of advanced magneto-thermal transport properties.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/how-to-apply/ Please ensure you quote the following reference on your application: PPPR038 - Thin film intermetallic materials for spintronic applications.

Availability

Open to UK applicants

Funding information

Funded studentship

A degree (First or Upper Second) in Physics, Materials Science, or a related field is required. The funding will come from the EPSRC DTP award and will be open to UK students only. The award will pay full tuition fees and a maintenance grant for 3.5 years (currently £17,668 p.a.) and it is anticipated that the successful candidate will start in October 2023.

Applications should be made as soon as possible.

Supervisors