2020/21 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
PHYS5900M Nanomagnetism
15 creditsClass Size: 30
Module manager: Dr Thomas Moore
Email: T.A.Moore@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2020/21
Pre-requisite qualifications
Solid State Physics at UG level 2, or equivalent.This module is mutually exclusive with
| PHYS3422 | Magnetism in Condensed Matter |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
Magnetic materials underpin much of modern technology and thus our everyday lives, from electric motors to data storage, sensors and computing. An understanding of nanomagnetism requires knowledge in several areas of physics to be brought together, including classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics and condensed matter physics. The first half of this course focuses on the theory of ferromagnetism, while the second half uncovers the physics behind the applications, such as permanent magnets and spin electronics. Alongside this you will access current research papers in the field of nanomagnetism and produce your own review article.Objectives
On successful completion of this module a student will have demonstrated the ability to:• describe the quantum mechanical nature of the molecular field- the exchange interaction
• recognise the necessity of anisotropy for stable ferromagnetism
• recall the origin and consequences of the demagnetising field
• discuss domains and simple micro-magnetics
• recall the consequences of magnetism on transport properties of materials
• describe current issues in ultrathin film magnetism - surface anisotropy, Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction etc
• describe current issues in magnetic heterostructures and devices
• summarise current research literature in aspects of nanomagnetism
Learning outcomes
• Communicate complex scientific ideas concisely, accurately and informatively;
• Solve advanced problems in nanomagnetism using mathematical techniques and analysis.
• Manage own learning and make use of appropriate texts, research articles and other primary sources.
Syllabus
• Introduction to basic concepts.
• Measurements of magnetisation.
• Exchange and Heisenberg Hamiltonian.
• Antisymmetric exchange.
• Magnetisation vs. temperature: Molecular field, Stoner model, magnons, critical regime.
• Anisotropy and Superparamagnetism.
• Stoner-Wohlfarth particles.
• Origins of anisotropy.
• Exchange anisotropy.
• Magnetostatic self-energy and demagnetising factors.
• Shape anisotropy.
• Domain structures and domain walls.
• Simple micromagnetics.
• Magnetization dynamics.
• Permanent magnets and energy products.
• Low-dimensional ordering, perpendicular anisotropy.
• Spin-dependent band structures - spin-dependent transport.
• Anisotropic, giant, and tunnelling magnetoresistance.
• Spin torque.
• Magnetotransport measurements.
• Spin-valves, magnetic tunnel junctions, read-write heads and MRAM.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Workshop | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| Lectures | 22 | 1.00 | 22.00 |
| Private study hours | 124.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 26.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
Self-study as follow-up to lectures. Preparation for workshops. Researching the literature and writing review article.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Workshops are a chance to gain feedback on problem solving, and the literature review.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Literature Review | Literature Review | 15.00 |
| In-course Assessment | Regular Homeworks | 15.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 48 hr 00 mins | 70.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70.00 | |
Students will have to complete an online assessment at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound. The assessment will not take 48 hours to complete, but students will have a 48 hour time period in which to complete it. Students must submit a reasonable attempt at all assessments for this module to pass this module.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 12/10/2020 15:48:24
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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