PhD in Physics – Superconducting spin current generation by spin-orbit coupling

Department of Physics

Loughborough University

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship funded by the Physics Department, Loughborough University, LE11 3TU to start in April 2016, July 2016 or October 2016. The project will be based in the Department of Physics at Loughborough University.
Primary supervisor: Dr Niladri Banerjee
Secondary supervisor: Dr Kelly Morrison
Project details:
Recent theoretical and experimental results [1] have identified a novel form of spin-triplet superconductivity existing at engineered ferromagnet-superconductor interfaces. The spin-polarised nature of this superconductivity enables a dissipationless current to flow through a ferromagnet thereby opening up the possibility of merging two technologically important fields – superconductivity and spintronics. This will not only enable design of ultra-low dissipation spin-based functional devices but will also provide a deeper understanding of the interaction of two competing order parameters – superconductivity and ferromagnetism.
We have recently experimentally demonstrated two key properties of this triplet superconductivity [2,3] which paves the way for design of functional devices based on them. In this project, we will focus on a novel and radical approach to generate triplet superconductivity through spin-orbit interaction. In addition to providing an insight into the origins of triplet superconductivity, this will form a bridge between superconducting spintronics and the recently discovered spin-orbit effects in conventional spintronics.
The project will involve thin film deposition of spin-orbit coupled thin film heterostructures using sputtering and pulsed laser deposition techniques coupled with standard characterisation techniques (such as X-ray diffraction) to optimise deposition conditions. The optimised structures will be used to study proximity effects with various superconductors, eventually, exploring routes to control the spin and charge at the nanometre scale for design of functional devices for sensory applications like, spin valves.
The project will consolidate existing collaborations with University of Cambridge and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford as well as initiating new ones. The student will be involved in such collaborations and will jointly carry out experiments.
1. J. Linder and J. W. A. Robinson Nature Physics, 11, 307 (2015).
2. N. Banerjee et al. Nature Communications, 5:4771 (2014).
3. N. Banerjee et al. Nature Communications, 5:3048 (2014).
The studentship is for 3 years and is intended to start in April 2016. The studentship provides a stipend of £14,057 per annum (15/16 RCUK rate) plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate for up to three years. International (non EU) students may apply but will need to fund the difference in fees between those for a ‘UK/EU’ and ‘international’ student themselves.
Students will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Physics or Materials Engineering or Electrical Engineering. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: thin film deposition, nanoscale processing, electrical and magnetic characterisation, LabVIEW programming.
General information about the Department of Physics can be found at: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/physics/

Funding information

Funding applies to:

Open to applicants from a range of countries

Funding notes:

International (non EU) students may apply but will need to fund the difference in fees between those for a ‘UK/EU’ and ‘international’ student themselves.

Contacts and how to apply

Academic contact:

For informal enquiries about the project, please contact Dr Niladri Banerjee (N.Banerjee@lboro.ac.uk)

Administrative contact and how to apply:

To apply, please complete the online application using the following link: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/ Under programme name, please select ‘Physics’
The closing date for applications is 20 March 2016
Interviews will take place week commencing 21 March 2016
Please quote the following reference when applying: SCI/PH/NB

Application deadline:

20 March 2016