The aim of this course is to convey adequate knowledge of magnetism in atoms and solids so that magnetic nanostructures and modern spintronics devices can be understood. Students learn about the different forms of magnetism, their microscopic origin and how magnetism is used and applied in contemporary technology. A key part of the lectures is a presentation by a researcher or a representative of a company working in the field. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is traditionally strong in the domain of magnetism
Course outline:
Introduction
- Historical introduction
- Classification of magnetic systems
- Basics of magnetostatics
- Magnetism of electrons (orbital and spin moments)
- Magnetism of localized electrons on the atom
Experimental techniques
- Measuring magnetism
- Magnetic phenomena and simple experiments
- Sensitive measurements with SQUIDs
Magnetism in the solid state
- Pauli paramagnetism
- Quenching of orbital momentum
- Crystal fields and magnetocrystalline anisotropy
- Band magnetism
- Mean field theory by Weiss
- Heisenberg Hamiltonian
- Stoner criterion
Micromagnetism
Magnetism of nano-objects
- Zero-dimensional nano-objects: superparamagnetism
- One-dimensional nano-objects: nanowires
- Two-dimensional nano-objects: thin magnetic films and multilayers
- Giant magnetoresistance: principle and realization
- Tunneling magnetoresistance
- Magnetic data storage and other applications
- Principles of storage: analog, magnetic, magneto-optic
- Storage and retrieval processes
Spintronics
- Datta-Das transistor
- Spin injection
- Spin-Hall effect and its inverse
Odds and ends
- Ferromagnetic liquids
- Magnetic levitation
