Materials Science Physical Properties Measurement System
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
The Condensed Matter Physics (CMP) group at Leeds proposes the purchase of a Physical Properties Measurement System (PPMS) to characterise electrical, magnetic, and thermal properties of advanced functional materials with emergent phenomena over a range of temperatures (0.4-400 K) and magnetic fields (=16 T) with horizontal axis rotator. These capabilities are currently not available in our region.
The development of nanoscale devices across applications from healthcare to quantum technologies requires a broad capability to investigate the magnetic, electrical and thermal properties of advanced materials. From the understanding of these fundamental properties comes our ability to exploit effects in new applications aiming to e.g. reduce the energy overhead of operation.
The research challenges here include the study of topological superconductivity, where heat capacity measurements will address the urgent need for information on the effective mass and phase transitions. These are key scientific advances for quantum and energy efficient computing. In the area of triplet-based superconductivity, revealing the local microscopic details of the magnetic structure is necessary and the ability to measure magnetometry (VSM, AC susceptometer, CryoFMR) and transport in the same instrument is of unparalleled advantage. To exploit the potential for low-energy applications and high-density memory, we need to manipulate skyrmions in a wide range of conditions using the transport and magnetic capabilities of the PPMS. Uniquely for the region, we shall also study spin injection via ferromagnetic resonance and simultaneous inverse spin Hall measurements.
We have world-class advanced thin film growth capability and EPSRC funding for researchers. Our aim is to bring our characterisation facility up to the same internationally competitive standard. The objectives are (i) to improve throughput by having a turn-key, measurement-optimised system, (ii) to obtain fundamental results that will lead to breakthroughs in our understanding and (iii) offer support to leading academic, SMEs and industrial research. This will increase the number and impact of outputs locally and in the region.
The market leader, Quantum Design's PPMS, is a cutting-edge instrument accessible to a diverse range of researchers, enabling us to attract, train and hire advanced materials experts from different disciplines and backgrounds. The instrument has become a must-have in leading advanced materials laboratories because of its state-of-the-art capabilities, accessibility and multi-functionality, comprising a base unit and inserts to explore different materials and properties. The PPMS offers as well scope for cost-effective future expansion as new materials are discovered.
A reliable implementation of high magnetic fields is important for fundamental work, but it is challenging for cryogen-free systems to ramp the field around high values due to eddy current heating. A wet system using liquid helium is more suitable for reducing the heating issue significantly so that ramping the full field range is easily achieved. It is also more cost-effective thanks to recent investments from the University of Leeds (UoL) in cryogenic facilities.
The instrument also replaces our 23-year-old vibrating sample magnetometer, used by 21 academics at UoLA1. It will support 12 EPSRC and 2 EU grants, help to diversify our funding streams and open new horizons to characterise composite metals, complex oxides, nanomaterials and molecular systems matching the objectives for the Bragg Centre, the Henry Royce Institute and EPSRC's major areas and priorities.
The development of nanoscale devices across applications from healthcare to quantum technologies requires a broad capability to investigate the magnetic, electrical and thermal properties of advanced materials. From the understanding of these fundamental properties comes our ability to exploit effects in new applications aiming to e.g. reduce the energy overhead of operation.
The research challenges here include the study of topological superconductivity, where heat capacity measurements will address the urgent need for information on the effective mass and phase transitions. These are key scientific advances for quantum and energy efficient computing. In the area of triplet-based superconductivity, revealing the local microscopic details of the magnetic structure is necessary and the ability to measure magnetometry (VSM, AC susceptometer, CryoFMR) and transport in the same instrument is of unparalleled advantage. To exploit the potential for low-energy applications and high-density memory, we need to manipulate skyrmions in a wide range of conditions using the transport and magnetic capabilities of the PPMS. Uniquely for the region, we shall also study spin injection via ferromagnetic resonance and simultaneous inverse spin Hall measurements.
We have world-class advanced thin film growth capability and EPSRC funding for researchers. Our aim is to bring our characterisation facility up to the same internationally competitive standard. The objectives are (i) to improve throughput by having a turn-key, measurement-optimised system, (ii) to obtain fundamental results that will lead to breakthroughs in our understanding and (iii) offer support to leading academic, SMEs and industrial research. This will increase the number and impact of outputs locally and in the region.
The market leader, Quantum Design's PPMS, is a cutting-edge instrument accessible to a diverse range of researchers, enabling us to attract, train and hire advanced materials experts from different disciplines and backgrounds. The instrument has become a must-have in leading advanced materials laboratories because of its state-of-the-art capabilities, accessibility and multi-functionality, comprising a base unit and inserts to explore different materials and properties. The PPMS offers as well scope for cost-effective future expansion as new materials are discovered.
A reliable implementation of high magnetic fields is important for fundamental work, but it is challenging for cryogen-free systems to ramp the field around high values due to eddy current heating. A wet system using liquid helium is more suitable for reducing the heating issue significantly so that ramping the full field range is easily achieved. It is also more cost-effective thanks to recent investments from the University of Leeds (UoL) in cryogenic facilities.
The instrument also replaces our 23-year-old vibrating sample magnetometer, used by 21 academics at UoLA1. It will support 12 EPSRC and 2 EU grants, help to diversify our funding streams and open new horizons to characterise composite metals, complex oxides, nanomaterials and molecular systems matching the objectives for the Bragg Centre, the Henry Royce Institute and EPSRC's major areas and priorities.