Time-resolved scanning transmission x-ray microscopy studies of spin current induced manipulation of magnetization in nanostructures

• Applicant: Dr. Björn Bräuer
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2008 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 93755156

The scientific program investigates the ultra-fast manipulation of the magnetization in nanostructures by spin currents. The proposed research explores the spin injection and its temporal evolution into thin films of metallic paramagnets, inorganic and organic semiconductors, and single molecule magnets. The work includes the sample preparation, characterization, and the direct imaging of the time dependent magnetization using a scanning transmission x-ray microscope (STXM) at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL). The ultrafast dynamics of spin polarization including its sign will be imaged. For that purpose magnetic excitations which are triggered by picosecond spin current pulses will be used. The understanding of various factors that may influence the spin injection is a prerequisite for the ultimate utilization of this phenomenon in next generation inorganic and organic spintronic technologies.Research field. X-ray microscopy, condensed matter physics, surface sciences, magnetism, inorganic (coordination) chemistry, molecular magnetism.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. Joachim Stöhr