Transport and magnetism in GaMnN nanowires

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Laurens W. Molenkamp
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2005 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5453627

The recent development of the capability to produce thin GaMnN wires in the Peidong Yang group at Berkeley offers a unique opportunity to study the nature of semiconductor ferromagnetism in one dimensional systems, an issue which is currently topical as the transportation of information in a spintronics based technology will occur via wires that will approach the 1D limit. We will therefore embark on fundamental characterization of GaMnN wires from both a transport and magnetic point of view. For transport characterization, high resolution lithographic techniques will be used to fashion contacts onto a single wire and measure the magnetoresistance and transport anisotropy properties. In parallel, direct magnetic measurements will be performed by SQUID on array of wires to determine the correlations between magnetic and transport properties. Ultimately, the two approaches will be merged, as nano-patterned Hall bars will be used as probes to measure the magnetic properties of a single GaMnN wire.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: USA
• Participating Persons: Professorin Dr. Constance Chang-Hasnain; Privatdozent Dr. Charles Gould; Professor Dr. Stephen Leone; Professor Dr. Eicke Weber; Professor Dr. Peidong Yang