CIC01: Master project on MANIPULATING PHASE TRANSITIONS BY MEANS OF NANO-SCALE MATERIALS DESIGN
The goal of this Master project is to create high-quality magnetic films, that exhibit a nanometer scale depth dependence of their composition and thus a depth dependence of their magnetic properties, such as exchange coupling constants or magneto-crystalline anisotropy. Such film structures exhibit non-uniform magnetization states by design, which can lead to relevant modifications of magnetic phase transitions, a topic that this work intends to explore. Correspondingly, the main goals of this work are to
- study and identify suitable fabrication conditions for such thin films
- fabricate high-quality magnetic films with designed non-uniform depth profiles
- characterize their magnetic behavior, in particular their phase transitions
- analyze how non-uniform designs impact magnetic phase transitions
These goals are not only of substantial scientific, but also of technological interest because key data storage technologies are based on magnetic films with non-trivial depth structures, and associated device operations typically include phase transitions. Modern fabrication techniques, such as the Ultra High Vacuum Sputter system at CIC nanoGUNE, allow for the precise fabrication of such films, in which different ferromagnetic layers can be deposited and manipulated with sub-nm precision.
In the first part of the Master project different ferromagnetic alloy films will be fabricated. Subsequently, their magnetic properties and states will be measured and classified by using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). The project will involve the fabrication and characterization of samples as well as the analysis of experimental results. Some prior knowledge of solid-state physics and ferromagnetism will be beneficial but is not a prerequisite.
Description of the research group
The nano-magnetism Group at CIC nanoGUNE is conducting world-class basic and applied research in the field of magnetism in nano-scale structures. The Group staff has a longstanding expertise and proven track record in fundamental and applied aspects of nano-magnetism.
Application:
If you are a (prospective) master student and you are interested in this project, please get in touch with the scientist in charge: Andreas Berger (a.berger@nanogune.eu).
To apply for a master position fill in the form below and follow the instructions and recomendations of the general call open until 30 September 2021.
NOTES: (i) All applicants will receive an answer after the end of the selection process; but please note that due to the large number of submissions that are expected, we cannot provide individual feedback. (ii) Additional information about nanoGUNE's commitment towards HR excellence in Research and Gender Equality are available on our website. (iii) We encourage you to subscribe to our HR mailing list to receive information related to nanoGUNE's open positions and open calls for different training and talent attraction programs.