Manipulating Nanomagnets Without Using Magnetic Fields

Professor:Dan Ralph
Project Description: Studies of the fundamental interactions between electrons and magnetic moments have recently led to new strategies for controlling the magnetic orientation of small magnetic devices, by using currents of electron spin to apply torques. These spin-transfer-torque mechanisms can be more than 1000 times more efficient than the traditional method of using an applied magnetic field to manipulate a magnet, and they are rapidly being applied for magnetic memory and communications technologies. Our research group is investigating what the optimal mechanisms for generating spin currents are, and exactly how do small magnets respond to the torque from these spin currents. This summer project involves learning materials growth techniques, the fabrication of magnetic devices using optical lithography in the Cornell Nanofabrication facility, high-frequency electrical measurements, and computer modeling of magnetic dynamics in collaboration with senior group members.