2023/24 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 2023/24

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

Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:
1. Exchange interaction
2. Magnetic anisotropy
3. Demagnetising field
4. Magnetic domains and simple micromagnetics
5. Magnetotransport
6. Current issues in thin film magnetism, magnetic heterostructures and devices

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to

1. Communicate complex scientific ideas concisely, accurately, and informatively, managing own learning and making use of appropriate texts, illustrations and figures, research articles and other primary sources.
2. Manage time and deliver work to deadlines.

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
Lectures	24	1.00	24.00
Private study hours			126.00
Total Contact hours			24.00
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
Assignment	Literature Review	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		20.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 30 mins	80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		80.00

Students will have to complete an in-person exam 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. Students must submit a serious attempt at all assessments, in order to pass the module overall.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:55:13

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