University of Central Lancashire
Research Project/Studentship Description
Project ref: RS/15/01
School
Centre
Proposed Director of Studies
Contact Details
Programme (e.g MPhil/PhD)
Duration of Studentship
Hours (Full or Part Time)
Closing Date: 05/06/2015
Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences
Jeremiah Horrocks Institute
Serban Lepadatu
slepadatu@uclan.ac.uk
PhD (via MPhil)
36 months
Full Time
Other Allowances (for non UCLan studentships)
Any Entry Requirements
Standard fees apply
£14,057 per annum for student stipend
Tuition Fees paid at Home/EU student rate
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See research student specification
(e.g. 2:1 classification/restricted to UK residences only)
Any Special Requirements (e.g. driving licence)
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Tuition Fees
Maintenance Grant
Project Title
Tunable Anisotropic Magnetization Damping in Multiferroic Structures
Project Description
Research into fast magnetization dynamics has seen a growing interest due to both the
exciting physics involved and its application to spintronics devices, including magnetic
memory devices and multiferroic tunnel junctions. The ability to control and tune the
magnetization switching processes is expected to result in a new generation of advanced
spintronics devices and open a rich avenue of research. This project will investigate exactly
this possibility, using a novel method for controlling magnetization precession damping in
multiferroic devices.
In magnetic materials damping of magnetization precession occurs due to energy transfer
processes from the spin system to the lattice and it is an essential mechanism which
determines the speed of magnetization switching in magnetic materials and spintronics
devices. Damping is commonly described using an isotropic scalar, α, the Gilbert damping
parameter, within the Landau-Lifschitz-Gilbert description of magnetization dynamics.
Theoretical investigations have shown that α is generally an anisotropic temperaturedependent tensor, supported by recent experimental evidence, although currently limited. In
multiferroic structures, such as multiferroic tunnel junctions, by modifying the periodic
lattice potential through voltage-dependent strain coupling between a ferroelectric and
ferromagnetic layer, the spin-orbit interaction which couples the spin to the lattice potential
should result in a controllable modification of the anisotropy of magnetization damping.
You will study this theme using a number of techniques, including low-temperature
ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), low-temperature time-resolved pump-probe MOKE,
biaxial VSM with direct and inverse magneto-electric measurements capabilities, SEM,
TEM, SPM techniques including AFM, MFM, PFM. The results obtained here will be
analysed using a specially modified version of the micromagnetics software Boris,
developed by Serban Lepadatu, to take into account the ellipticity of precessional orbits in
order to reproduce the anisotropic FMR response.
This project involves external collaboration with Professor Marin Alexe, Warwick
University, a world-leading expert on oxide thin films, including multiferroic tunnel
junctions.
For academic related enquiries please contact Serban Lepadatu : SLepadatu@uclan.ac.uk,
Phone : +44 (0)1772 893553
Research Student Specification
Studentship Ref
Number
RS/15/01Click here to
enter text.
Project Title:
Tunable Anisotropic Magnetization Damping in Multiferroic Structures
School:
Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences
Contact:
slepadatu@uclan.ac.uk
Attributes
Education/Qualifications
Closing Date:
Essential
A good UK BSc (Hons)
degree (2:1 or above)
in Physics or an
appropriate physicsrelated / relevant
engineering area (or
equivalent
qualification)
Must include an
experimental final year
project.
Experience
Project experience in
an area of
experimental physics.
05/06/2015
Desirable
A good MSc (Hons)
degree in Physics or
an appropriate
physics-related /
relevant engineering
area.
Measured By
Application
Must include an
experimental final
year project.
Magnetism, magnetic
materials-related
project/research
experience.
Experience of
programming and
instrumentation
control.
Application,
Interview
Skills/Abilities
Must have
demonstrable
laboratory skills.
Ability to work
independently.
Programming, in
particular C++
Application,
Interview
Good programming
skills in LabVIEW ® or
programming skills
that include interfacing
with instrumentation.
To be able to
communicate
effectively in both
verbal and written
form, including formal
reports, oral & poster
presentations.
To be able to
design/build
appropriate physicsrelated experiments.
Personal Details
Ability to work to
deadlines.
Passionate about
scientific research.
Willingness to take a
“hands-on” approach
in developing /
modifying existing
experimental
equipment and test
rigs.
Willingness to attend
and present work at
national and
international
conferences, seminars
& workshops.
Ability to show
initiative and
innovation.
Application,
Interview