Spintronics: an introduction and some current research into the role of thin-film interfaces

Spintronic physics, the interactions between magnetism and electronics within magnetic multilayers, underpins magnetic data storage and hence cloud computing. Spintronic applications are broadening, and current research offers more in term of energy efficient localized memory and sensor applications. The physical mechanisms of spintronics and nanomagnetism in multilayered ferromagnetic/non-magnetic systems depend upon the electronic behaviour within the individualmagnetic and non-magnetic layers and the interactions that take place across the interfaces between the magnetic (FM) and non-magnetic (NM) thin-films. This talk will introduce this topical subject, outline some of the key physics and present some of the recent developments in understanding of spin transport in FM/NM systems.

Short bio

Professor Del Atkinson is the Sir Gareth Roberts Professor of Applied Physics at Durham University. Del is Head of Condensed Matter Physics. He has research experience in academia and industry extending over three decades that involves work on magnetic materials, domain wall statics and dynamics, spintronics, ferromagnetic damping, metal-oxide semiconductors for flexible electronics and nanocomposite inks for printable force sensors. Del is particularly proud of his supervision of research students and has guided 18 PhD students to successful completion.