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experimental project

Optimization of orbit-to-charge conversion for magnetic readout in logic devices

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Location

Donostia/San Sebastián, Spain

Host institution

CIC nanoGUNE is a research center devoted to conducting world-class nanoscience research for a competitive growth of the Basque Country. NanoGUNE is a member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) and is recognized by the Spanish Research Agency as a María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence.

The Nanodevices group, co-led by Prof. Luis E. Hueso and Prof. Fèlix Casanova, is currently composed of 30 members including senior and junior researchers. The group has at its disposal extensive research facilities for fabrication and characterization of devices and several active research lines in spintronics and optoelectronics in different systems such as 2D materials, chiral crystals, and altermagnets.

Supervisor

Prof. Fèlix Casanova, Prof. Luis Hueso

Description

Orbitronics—using orbital instead of spin angular momentum—offers a promising route to more efficient information processing, with potentially larger signals and new mechanisms for generating and detecting angular-momentum currents. Building on this emerging field, this project aims to exploit the orbital Hall effect (OHE) to achieve enhanced electrical readout in T-shaped devices relevant for future magnetoelectric spin-orbit (MESO) logic, a post-CMOS technology platform.

Current MESO readout concepts based on the spin Hall effect are limited by insufficient output voltages. By contrast, the OHE may provide a significantly larger response, enabling practical device implementation. This PhD project will explore this opportunity through three focused research objectives:

Material Exploration of 3d Transition Metals  

Investigate how resistivity and disorder influence the OHE in selected transition metals (Ti, V, Cr, Mn). Thin-film growth conditions and impurity engineering will be used to tune intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. Orbital Hall conductivity and orbital diffusion length will be quantified using Hanle magnetoresistance (HMR).

Device Fabrication and Orbital Injection  

Integrate the most promising OHE materials into nanoscale T-shaped device architectures. Explore a range of ferromagnetic electrodes (Ni, Co, NiFe, CoFe, rare-earth alloys) to study electrical orbital injection and determine the orbital polarization of different ferromagnets.

Optimizing OHE-Based Readout for MESO Logic  

Design and fabricate optimized OHE-based readout devices to maximize output voltage. Engineer spacer layers between the ferromagnet and OHE material to enhance orbital transparency and overall device performance.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Physics or a similar field.

Good verbal and written communication skills in English.

Although not compulsory, the following points will be considered:

Previous knowledge of spintronics and/or orbitronics.
Experience in the following techniques: thin film growth, nanofabrication, magnetotransport

Planned Secondments

Academic Secondment

CNRS-Laboratoire Albert Fert

Palaiseau, France

Dr. Vincent Cros

Industrial Secondment

NELLOW

Grenoble, France

Dr. Jean Philippe Attané

Registering University

University of the Basque Country

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Thank you for your interest in the ORBIS project!

Before applying

Make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements. At the time of recruitment (i.e. contract starting date) you…

must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.
must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to recruitment.
must be proficient in written and spoken English.

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