Realising 3D Artificial Spin-Ice Systems using Two-Photon lithography and Line-of-Sight Deposition
Lead Research Organisation:
Cardiff University
Department Name: School of Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
"Today, the vast majority of digital information is stored on computer hard disk drives (HDD). Intense research efforts over the past 20 years has allowed the areal density of the HDD to scale with societies needs by reducing the size of the magnetic features that store digital information. A significant disadvantage of such technologies is that all of the nano-magnets sit in one plane on the disk, effectively limiting the amount of information that can be stored.
Recent advances in fabrication techniques have allowed the production of three-dimensional nanostructures of chosen geometry. Here at Cardiff, we have recently installed a cutting-edge 3D lithography system capable of producing 3D templates at a resolution of 200nm.
The student on this project will receive training in advanced 3D fabrication techniques, magnetic characterisation and high-resolution electron microscopy. Fundamental studies will be carried out upon 3D magnetic nanostructures of different geometry, dimensions and material. The student will also benefit from regular visits to industrial collaborators in Europe."
Recent advances in fabrication techniques have allowed the production of three-dimensional nanostructures of chosen geometry. Here at Cardiff, we have recently installed a cutting-edge 3D lithography system capable of producing 3D templates at a resolution of 200nm.
The student on this project will receive training in advanced 3D fabrication techniques, magnetic characterisation and high-resolution electron microscopy. Fundamental studies will be carried out upon 3D magnetic nanostructures of different geometry, dimensions and material. The student will also benefit from regular visits to industrial collaborators in Europe."
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509449/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1796470 | Studentship | EP/N509449/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/04/2020 | Andrew May |
| Description | Most of my work has involved creating and measuring 3D precise arrangements of magnetic nanowires. Experimental techniques for making 3D magnetic structures with nanoscale resolution are still relatively new, and so I have published a paper (URL given below) showing the production of magnetic nanowires in a 3D diamond lattice geometry, here my group also presented various measurements of the structure's magnetic properties. Recently I have been conducting more detailed experiments upon these nanowire arrays, to further our ability to accurately control the internal magnetisation of complex 3D magnetic nanostructures. This topic currently has a significant attention, as many researchers are attempting to develop techniques for the realisation of complex 3D magnetic nanostructures, as well as to form a complete understanding of the magnetic behaviour of such systems. Much of this work is in pursuit of a hypothetical technology known as racetrack memory, which would be a next-generation data storage device, allowing rapid data access, and exceedingly high storage density. |
| Exploitation Route | Whilst I have created and studied a 3D magnetic nanowire lattice, research so far has been limited to a lattice of constant parameters (i.e. wire length, composition, lattice size). This has allowed the optimisation of measurement techniques and build confidence in analysis and interpretation of data. It would be very interesting to for others to continue my work and expand our knowledge of the magnetic behaviour in such systems by producing and studying structures with a variety of parameters. |
| Sectors | Other |
| URL | https://www.nature.com/articles/s42005-018-0104-6 |