Department
Module Description
Of
2008/2009
Engineering
Materials
15 CREDITS
MAT6391 RTP Nanoscale Magnetic Materials and Devices
Semester: 1
Staff Contact: Professor M Gibbs
Title A:
RTP
Nanoscale Magnetic Materials and Devices
Lecturer:
Professor M Gibbs
Course Description:
This course forms part of an MSc programme on Nanoscale Science and Technology. We start with an introduction to
magnetism for the non-specialist, and proceed to the magnetic parameters which are influenced when length scales approach
the nanometer range. Bulk, thin film and heterogeneous materials are considered. There is a discussion of probes for studying
nanomagnetic materials. The role of nanostructure on exchange interactions and remanence enhancement, surfaces and
interfaces on anisotropy and magnetoelasticity and nanofabrication on magnetotransport are introduced. Micromagnetic
modelling is introduced. A range of applications including magnetic memory, nanostructured magnets, spin-electronics and
microelectromechanical devices are outlined.
Learning Objectives:
Understand basic magnetic parameters, and the importance of property-structure relations in determining the absolute value of
these parameters.
Appreciate the options available for the production of bulk or thin film nanophase magnets.
Understand probes of the magnetic properties of nanoscale systems.
Understand the properties of bulk soft and hard magnetic materials.
Understand electrical transport in ferromagnets, across interfaces and in hybrid devices.
Demonstrate knowledge of basic techniques for modelling magnetic properties.
Give an overview of current applications.
You will also gain experience of:
Report writing
Problem solving
Modelling techniques
Booklist:
Robert C O’Handley, Modern magnetic materials: principles and applications, Wiley: ISBN 0 471 15566 7
(A) core text
(B) secondary text
(C) peripheral text
Assessment is by:
% of Total Assessment
Teaching is by:
Essay
50%
Independent project report
25%
Lecture
Tutorial
Lab class
Problem sheets
25%
Please note: The information on word length and assessment deadlines given here is for guidance only and may be
subject to change. Please see the relevant lecturer for confirmation.