Introduction to Spintronics
Tom Seifert
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Overview: Spintronics, an emerging field at the intersection between quantum physics and electronics, is a very promising approach for future information technology. This seminar serves as an introduction into the fascinating realm of spin-based electronics, exploring its fundamental principles, technological applications, and future prospects. Delving into the aspects of spintronics, participants will embark on a journey to understand how harnessing the electron spin degree of freedom might lead to the development of faster, more energy-efficient devices.
Key Spintronic Topics Covered:
- Foundations of Spintronics: Participants will explore the basic concepts of spin and its significance in electronic systems. From the Stern-Gerlach experiment to spin-orbit coupling, this section provides a solid grounding in the underlying physics of spintronics.
- Spin Transport and Manipulation: Understanding how to control the flow of spin-polarized electrons is crucial for practical applications. Participants will learn about spin injection, transport mechanisms, and methods for manipulating and detecting spin currents.
- Spin-Based Devices: From spin valves via magnetic tunnel junctions to magnetic random-access memory, spintronics has spawned a plethora of novel device architectures. This segment examines the design, fabrication, and functionality of spin-based devices, highlighting their potential for revolutionizing memory, computing, and sensing technologies.
- Emerging Trends and Future Directions: The seminar concludes with a glimpse into the future of spintronics. Participants will explore cutting-edge research areas such as ultrafast spintronics and spin-orbitronics, paving the way for next-generation applications.
Target Audience: This seminar is tailored for master students with some prior knowledge in the field of solid-state physics. No prior knowledge of spintronics is required, making it accessible to a broad audience eager to explore this interdisciplinary field.
Format: The seminar will start with a lecture devoted to giving a general introduction and motivation to the field of spintronics followed by a second lecture covering methodological basics of how to give a scientific talk.
The main part of the seminar comprises a series of talks given by the participants (at least 1 per participant, starting at week 3). A follow-up discussion with the audience will shed light onto the respective scientific aspects as well as on the methodological facets regarding the way the content was presented by the participant. Topics of the participants’ talks will be discussed during the first lecture. The content will then be further specified together with the lecturer who also provides suggestions for relevant literature. One week prior to the presentation, the talk is reviewed together with the lecturer and possible adaptations are discussed.
close13 Class schedule
Regular appointments