Synthesis of Novel Synthetic Magnetic Materials Optimised for RF and Microwave Applications
Lead Research Organisation:
Durham University
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
The studentship aims to design, produce and analyse synthetic layered magnetic structures in a parameterised way to control both magnetic and electrical properties. Thin films allow a very high degree of control, on the nanoscale, and can result in exceptional properties due to the designer combination of novel materials and the reduced dimensionality. The project will create bespoke test materials by combining selected metallic and insulating magnetic layers to create 'synthetic ferromagnetic materials' by sputtering. These synthetic materials would be patterned into two dimensional arrays using nanoscale lithography to create sample areas of very highly ordered and shaped nanomagnets, where the multilayer structures, the shape and spacing are well controlled. Structural analysis along with static and detailed high frequency electromagnetic behaviour would then be analysed. This will then be used to guide larger scale development. These high specification techniques have never been applied in this context before making the research truly novel.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Derek Atkinson (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Charles Swindells (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/P510476/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/12/2021 | |||
| 1771248 | Studentship | EP/P510476/1 | 01/10/2016 | 31/01/2021 | Charles Swindells |
| Description | This iCAse project was sponsored by BAE Systems. They were interested because in the field of RF materials they consider that thin film techniques could be a route to new disruptive capabilities for materials development in this area. Thin film materials allow a very high degree of control and result in high permeabilities due to their two dimensional nature, the aim of the studentship was to design magnetic layered structures in a controlled way to provide the ability to tailor both magnetic and electrical properties of materials. The project aimed to provide significant insight into the underlying materials physics for use as a guide to the design and synthesis of materials via thin films that provide a route to understanding how to construct materials with particular electromagnetic properties. These overall objectives were achieved within this project. More specifically, the studentship aimed to design, produce and analyse synthetic layered magnetic structures in a parameterised way to control both magnetic and electrical properties. These objectives were fulfilled in detailed systematic studies of combinatorial thin-film growth and by lateral structuring of thin-films. The project demonstrated experimental routes to creating bespoke materials by combining selected metallic and insulating magnetic layers to create 'synthetic ferromagnetic materials' by sputtering and the two-dimensional patterning of these materials to add additional control over the enhanced RF behaviour. |
| Exploitation Route | At the end of this project a final meeting with BAE collaborators and wider BAE staff was convened in January 2021. Following a positive meeting with this wider BAE team it was agreed to meet again in a few weeks time, allowing the opportunity for internal BAE discussions to further consider how the finding of this project may be taken forward through further development work towards assessing the potential of the project's finds for implementation, testing and future technological exploitation. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Electronics,Other |
| Description | Understanding spin transport in novel spintronic systems with carbon-based layers and antiferromagnets - Royal SocietyInternational Exchanges grant |
| Amount | £11,913 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | IES\R1\201331 |
| Organisation | The Royal Society |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2020 |
| End | 08/2022 |
| Description | Celebrate Science, Durham Science Festival |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Developed and delivered an interactive outreach stand entitled "The Attraction Of Magnets" that spanned a wide range of applications of magnetic materials, including opportunities to discuss individual research projects with members of the public. This annual science festival is a regional outreach highlight that attracts up to 9000 people over three days. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://www.dur.ac.uk/celebrate.science/ |
| Description | Celebrate Science, Durham Science Festival 2019 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Further developed and delivered an interactive outreach stand entitled "The Attraction Of Magnets" that spanned a wide range of applications of magnetic materials, including opportunities to discuss individual research projects with members of the public. This annual science festival is a regional outreach highlight that attracts up to 9000 people over three days. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| URL | https://www.dur.ac.uk/celebrate.science/ |
| Description | Lecture at Bishop Barrington School |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Delivered an hour long lecture with demonstrations to three groups of year 10 students on magnetism. Topics covered included fundamentals of magnetism to modern uses. The total number of pupils in attendance was around 90. The school were pleased with the level and scope of the talk. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |