IRP16
experimental project
Enhancing the efficiency of orbital-to-spin conversion for spin-orbit torque devices
Location
Zürich, Switzerland
Host institution
ETH Zürich is one of the world-leading universities for technology and the natural sciences. It is well-known for its education, fundamental research, and technology transfer. Founded in 1855, ETHZ today has more than 25000 students from over 120 countries, including 4500 doctoral students.
The Laboratory of Magnetism and Interfaces is specialized in the study of spintronic devices, heterostructures and nanomagnets, with emphasis on spin torques and spin-orbit phenomena. Sample growth facilities are available as well as electrical, optical, and scanning probe characterization tools.
Supervisor
Prof. Pietro Gambardella
Description
Electrical control of the magnetization in nanoscale devices is essential for realizing nonvolatile storage and logic devices that combine high speed and endurance. The recently discovered generation of orbital currents and their conversion into spin torques provides a means to improve the efficiency of spintronic devices. Although magnetization switching through these processes -collectively referred to as orbital torques (OT)- has been demonstrated, its efficiency has yet to be benchmarked, particularly with respect to power consumption and the timescales of the associated magnetization dynamics. The objective of the IRP is to fabricate OT devices and characterize their switching processes and speed, optimizing the generation and relaxation of orbital and spin momenta in heterostructures consisting of different magnetic and nonmagnetic materials. Experiments will involve the deposition of thin films with varying compositions, nanofabrication, measurements of current-induced OT and spin torques, and time-resolved magnetization switching using either electrical or magneto-optic methods. In select cases of interest, element- and spatially-resolved switching measurements can be performed using X-ray scanning transmission microscopy measurements, employing techniques developed by ETHZ at the Swiss Light Source. Modelling and micromagnetic simulations will be performed to complement experimental results.
Requirements
Mandatory Requirements
- M.Sc. degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
- Excellent academic track record (provide a list of exams and grades passed at the BSc and MSc level)
- Proficiency in written and oral English.
- High motivation to perform experimental work on the topic of thesis.
- Contact address and email of at least two referees.
Additional Selection Criteria
- Prior experience in an academic or industry laboratory involving experimental measurements and sample fabrication
- Working knowledge of at least one main programming language, e.g., Python, Matlab, C++, etc.).
- Ability to learn and work independently, critical thinking, and team spirit.
Planned Secondments
- Academic secondment at Laboratoire Albert Fert (CNRS-LAF), under the supervision of Henri Jaffrès,
- Industrial secondment at Singulus Technologies AG, under the supervision of Jürgen Langer
Planned Secondments
Academic Secondment
Laboratoire Albert Fert (CNRS-LAF)
Paris-Saclay, France
Henri Jaffrès
Industrial Secondment
Singulus Technologies AG
Kahl am Main, Germany
Jürgen Langer
Registering University
ETH Zürich
