Antiferromagnetic spintronics (Ph.D. position)

The relation between structural and magnetic, i.e. spin-related, properties is one of the most fundamental aspects of solid state physics. The magnetically ordered state of solids can be influenced by various externally controllable parameters. For spintronics applications in most cases Oersted fields, spin-transfer torques (STT) and spin-orbit torques (SOT) are employed. Alternatively, structural distortions modify magnetic properties. Such modifications provide means for voltage controlled switching of thin magnetic films on piezoelectric substrates, presenting new pathways for future spintronics with low energy consumption. Combined with new compounds, like the antiferromagnet Mn­₂Au with strong spin-orbit coupling and broken inversion symmetry on the spin sublattices, novel spintronics devices may emerge.

This PhD thesis will be based on the experimental methods of epitaxial thin film deposition and characterization, photoelectron spectroscopy, nanolithography, and electric transport measurements.

This research is related to Spin+X project A05.

For further information and applications (including a full CV) please contact:

Dr. Martin Jourdan

Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz; www.klaeui-lab.de