CAREER: Atomic-Scale Engineering and In-situ Analysis of Materials for Spin Electronics

Columbia University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

This CAREER project addresses fundamental materials science issues associated with spintronics materials systems, magnetic ultrathin films in proximity to insulators and semiconductors. The approach is to develop coordinated UHV in-situ probes of spin polarized transport and surface structure. UHV deposition techniques will be used to control atomic-scale roughness and inter-mixing in films whose transport properties will be measured in-situ. Measurements will be com-pared with ab-initio calculations of spin-polarized transport to understand atomic structure-properties relationships. One of the project aims is to ascertain and develop the potential of giant-magnetoresistive (GMR) spin valves, used widely in ultrahigh density magnetic recording. Over-all, the proposed research strives to demonstrate a path from atomic-level materials understand-ing and design to enhanced device performance in information storage. %%% The project addresses fundamental research issues in electronic/magnetic materials science hav-ing technological relevance. An important feature of the project is the strong emphasis on educa-tion, and the integration of research and education. The research program provides excellent op-portunities for hands-on experience in the use of sophisticated scientific equipment, and the in-terdisciplinary approach and technological focus proposed for the research will carry over into undergraduate and graduate Materials Science curriculum development at Columbia, and into outreach activities at local K-12 schools. ***