Entry requirements

120 credits in science/engineering including Solid State Physics I/F. Participation in Quantum Mechanics, Advanced Course. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student shall be able to:

• explain the basic principles behind existing applications of spin-based technologies and relate them to basic concepts in magnetism and electron transport.
• describe experimental and theoretical methods used in spintronic devices.
• describe how different materials, both magnetic and non-magnetic, are used in spin-based applications
• account for special attributes in emerging spintronic materials.

Content

Basic concepts in spin-based technology; quantum theory of magnetism and nanomagnetism, basic electron transport, giant magnetoresistance, and tunnel magnetoresistance, spin polarization and methods for creating spin currents, spin- orbit coupling, spin Hall effect, Rashba-Edelstein effect, spin transfer torque and spin-orbit torque for magnetization switching. Spin-based applications such as spin valves, magnetic read heads, spintronic sensors, spin torque oscillators, and magnetic random-access memory. Introduction to nanofabrication methods to prepare and characterize spin devices and heterostructures. Basic experimental and theoretical techniques to quantify magnetic properties, nanomagnetism, spin phenomena, and magnetization dynamics. Introduction to contemporary research in the area of spintronics, spin- orbitronics, and magnonics, exotic materials such as graphene, 2D materials, molecular magnets, multiferroic systems, and topological insulators.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars, laboratory exercises and project work.

Assessment

Hand-in exercises. Oral and written presentations of project studies and laboratory work.