Superspintronics: Towards ultra-low dissipation spin-electronics

Presented By Dr Niladri Banerjee

This event is hosted by the Institute of Physics East Anglia Branch.

Abstract:

The electronic and magnetic properties of any material are determined by the way the electrons within it interact with each other and the internal structure of the material. In superconductors, electrons are able to move as a pair without being hindered, resulting in a perfect state of electrical conductance with zero resistance and no heat dissipation at all. In ferromagnets, each electron has its spin aligned with its neighbours to produce a permanent magnetic state.

The differences in electron behaviour between superconductors and ferromagnets means that if you were to layer each material on top of each other, the superconductivity property would be destroyed within a few nanometers as the spin alignment is disrupted.

In the last decade, however, experiments have shown a certain type of superconductivity which is unhindered in ferromagnetic materials. This 'magnetic-' or 'triplet-' superconductivity (named after the states of the electron pairs which, unconventionally, have the same spin) has created new pathways for developing novel functional devices.

In this talk I will discuss the developments in superconducting spintronics - the field of information processing with electron spins exhibiting zero heat dissipation. I will cover everything from the central role of subtle relativistic effects to striking recent developments.