Postgraduate research project

Next-generation ultrahigh density spin electronic devices

Funding
Competition funded View fees and funding
Type of degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Entry requirements
2:1 honours degree View full entry requirements
Faculty graduate school
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Closing date

About the project

This project combines two-photon 3D lithography (Cardiff) with electrodeposition (Southampton) to fabricate 3D magnetic nanowires hosting controllable “flying” domain wall qubits. Templates with tunable geometries will be electrochemically filled with magnetic materials to study static domain wall textures and dynamics, advancing ultrahigh-density spintronics and quantum computing based on spin textures.

 

In this project we will utilise state-of-the-art 3D lithography in combination with state of the art electrodeposition to realise magnetic nanowires with controllable “flying” domain wall qubits, paving the way towards a quantum computer based upon spin textures in 3D magnetic nanowires. 

A paradigm shift is occurring in nanomagnetism whereby nanostructuring materials into 3D geometries provides a foundation for next-generation ultrahigh density spin electronic devices, for which qubits can be encoded within spin textures or within magnetic domain wall racetracks (for reference, S. Li et al. Materials Today Quantum 2, 2950 (2024))

Two-photon lithography in combination with deposition methods can enable the fabrication and exploration of the physics of 3D magnetic nanostructured materials (for reference, G. Williams et al. Nano Research 11, 845 (2018))

Recently 3D magnetic nanowires with feature sizes of 70 nm and direct measurement of domain wall injection and pinning have paved the way to low energy, ultrahigh density magnetic data storage devices (for reference, J. Askey et al. Nanoscale 16, 17793 (2024))

In this project we will utilise state-of-the-art 3D lithography  in combination with state of the art electrodeposition at Southampton to realise magnetic nanowires with controllable “flying” domain wall qubits, paving the way towards a quantum computer based upon spin textures in 3D magnetic nanowires (for reference, Physical Review Research 5, 033166 (2023)).

In particular this will involve the preparation of templates with tunable geometries and sizes by two-photon beam lithography that will be utilised for electrochemical deposition of magnetic materials to study static domain wall textures and dynamics.

You will be trained in the electrodeposition of magnetic nanowires and their characterisation.

The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break.

The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.