Reflectivity ferromagnetic resonance (RFMR) for layer-resolved dynamic study of multi-layered systems
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Oxford Physics
Abstract
Project description:
Magnetic multilayer systems are a prime example of tailored materials in which their functionalities can be precisely controlled through advanced interface and layer engineering. This tuneability has led to their use across a wide range of topical fields, including skyrmions in chiral magnetic materials, synthetic antiferromagnets, and spintronic devices. Magnetic multilayers offer diverse opportunities for the development of ultrafast functional devices, however, an efficient method for determining the dynamic properties as a function of depth throughout such stacks has so far remained elusive. Very recently, we presented a new technique, reflectometry ferromagnetic resonance (RFMR), which provides an avenue to fully explore the magnetization dynamics in magnetic multilayer systems.
The RFMR technique builds on our extensive and well recognized work of using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and x-ray detected ferromagnetic resonance (XFMR) to explore the element-specific magnetization dynamics in magnetic material systems. In this project, in combination with soft x-ray resonant reflectivity, we extend these techniques to gain access to the magnetization dynamics as a function of depth. For the first time, this allows for the selective probing of the magnetization dynamics in the 'hidden' layers, inaccessible to other ferromagnetic resonance methods.
The Project aims at fully establishing the RFMR technique at Diamond, making optimal use of the facilities at Diamond, its unique technical opportunities and beamline support, as well as the RF and spectroscopy expertise. In preparation for the project, and to demonstrate the large potential of RFMR in general, we measured the depth-dependence of the magnetization dynamics in a [CoFeB/MgO/Ta]4 multilayer, which is 'invisible' to other techniques, exposing novel dynamic behaviour. In a first step, the student will grow and explore synthetic antiferromagnets, aiming at the unravelling of the magnetic skyrmion dynamics.
This project is a joint project with the Diamond Light Source, and in particular with the group of Prof Gerrit van der Laan.
This project aligns with EPSRC's research areas "Condensed Matter: Magnetism and Magnetic Materials" and "Spintronics".
Magnetic multilayer systems are a prime example of tailored materials in which their functionalities can be precisely controlled through advanced interface and layer engineering. This tuneability has led to their use across a wide range of topical fields, including skyrmions in chiral magnetic materials, synthetic antiferromagnets, and spintronic devices. Magnetic multilayers offer diverse opportunities for the development of ultrafast functional devices, however, an efficient method for determining the dynamic properties as a function of depth throughout such stacks has so far remained elusive. Very recently, we presented a new technique, reflectometry ferromagnetic resonance (RFMR), which provides an avenue to fully explore the magnetization dynamics in magnetic multilayer systems.
The RFMR technique builds on our extensive and well recognized work of using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and x-ray detected ferromagnetic resonance (XFMR) to explore the element-specific magnetization dynamics in magnetic material systems. In this project, in combination with soft x-ray resonant reflectivity, we extend these techniques to gain access to the magnetization dynamics as a function of depth. For the first time, this allows for the selective probing of the magnetization dynamics in the 'hidden' layers, inaccessible to other ferromagnetic resonance methods.
The Project aims at fully establishing the RFMR technique at Diamond, making optimal use of the facilities at Diamond, its unique technical opportunities and beamline support, as well as the RF and spectroscopy expertise. In preparation for the project, and to demonstrate the large potential of RFMR in general, we measured the depth-dependence of the magnetization dynamics in a [CoFeB/MgO/Ta]4 multilayer, which is 'invisible' to other techniques, exposing novel dynamic behaviour. In a first step, the student will grow and explore synthetic antiferromagnets, aiming at the unravelling of the magnetic skyrmion dynamics.
This project is a joint project with the Diamond Light Source, and in particular with the group of Prof Gerrit van der Laan.
This project aligns with EPSRC's research areas "Condensed Matter: Magnetism and Magnetic Materials" and "Spintronics".
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Thorsten Hesjedal (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Jack Bollard (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R513295/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2606404 | Studentship | EP/R513295/1 | 01/10/2021 | 30/09/2025 | Jack Bollard |
| EP/T517811/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2025 | |||
| 2606404 | Studentship | EP/T517811/1 | 01/10/2021 | 30/09/2025 | Jack Bollard |