2024-2025 / PHYS0988-1

Intrinsic and induced topological properties of matter

Duration

20h Th, 10h Pr

Number of credits

 Master in chemistry, research focus (AMIS)4 crédits 
 Master in chemistry, research focus (FAME AIS)4 crédits 
 Master in physics, research focus4 crédits 
 Master in physics, research focus (AMIS)4 crédits 
 Master in physics, research focus (FAME-AIS)4 crédits 
 Master in physics, teaching focus4 crédits 
 Master in physics, professional focus in medical radiophysics4 crédits 
 Advanced Master in Nanotechnologies4 crédits 

Lecturer

Bertrand Dupé

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This lecture is a general introduction on spintronics. Spintronics is a recent field of research which aims as using spins (so quantum degrees of freedom) to store and transfer information. This technology is already used in read/write heads of pretty much every hard drive available on the market.

The lecture will cover different topics of spintronics:

The magnetoresistance (GMR, TMR, AMR...)

spin dynamics, spin pumping and spin diffusion

Anomalous conductivity (AHE, SHE, THE...) in relation with topological properties

spin orbit interaction and spin torques

superconductivity in relation with magnetism

This lecture is quite specialized so I am open to students' suggestions regarding its content. This field of research is linked with the activities of three groups in CESAM: The experimental groups of Prof. Nguyen ((http://www.spin.ulg.ac.be)) et Prof. Silhanek ((http://www.mate.ulg.ac.be)) and the theoretical group of Dr. Dupé (http://www.nanomat.ulg.ac.be).

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

after this lecture will be able to:

read and understand an I(V,B) curve for magnetic multilayers,

write a magnetic and a multiferroic Hamitonian,

carry out magnetization dynamics simulation based on the Landau lifschitz equation (LLG),

recognize a skyrmion, an antiskyrmion and other topological objects

carry out simple Monte Carlo simulations

find more specialized information about spintronics

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

a good level in quantum mechanics, condensed matter theory, statistical physics and humour is a prerequisit for this lecture

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

black board and white chalks - colored chalks might also be used. Sometimes I also give presentations.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Blended learning


Additional information:

depends on my schedule and the pandemia activity. This lecture can be done online as well. 

Course materials and recommended or required readings

nothing to read but watch some of the online lectures and notes if you do not manage to sleep:

https://magnetism.eu/esm/repository-topics.html

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSgIbLieKeYuNl9Wuyy3YDA/videos

https://www.youtube.com/c/SPICEmainz

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam AND oral exam

Written work / report

Continuous assessment


Additional information:

to be discussed - depends on the number of students

Work placement(s)

Many companies are using spintronics in Europe:

STmicroelectronics, CEA - LETI, Global foundries, Intel, Thales...

 

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Dr. Bertrand Dupé

bertrand.dupe@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs