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Prof Hans Fangohr
Applications accepted all year round
About the Project
Particular configuration of vector fields look as if a set of particles appear in the field -- these are called Skyrmions after Tony Skyrme who proposed their existence in 1962. However, only a few years ago Skyrmions have been observed directly in thin magnetic films: given the right material parameters, a lattice of skyrmions develops. Each Skyrmion looks like a vortex, and the vortices form a (hexagonal) array in the thin-film (see Nature Physics 7, 673-674, 2011 for an introductory summary).
Inspired by this recent experimental discovery, further works have shown remarkable emergent properties of skyrmions: due to the unexpected stability of the skyrmion lattice, they could potentially be used to record data at the nanoscale. It has also been found that a very low electric current can drive the skyrmions through the film, which opens the door for a low-energy realisation of the much researched race-track memory device.
In this project, we will extend the established micromagnetic framework with the interaction terms that allow to observe and study the skyrmion phase using computer simulation. There is a multitude of interesting studies possible, including the dynamics and thermodynamics of skyrmions, and their interaction with spatially confined structures (leading the path towards logic networks). We will collaborate with teams that carry out experimental studies on these systems.
We use Python combined with C/C++ code where necessary. The micromagnetic code that will be used and extended is the successor of the open source tool Nmag (see http://nmag.soton.ac.uk).
This project can be funded through the Doctoral Training Centre in Complex Systems Simulations (see http://www.icss.soton.ac.uk) if desired.
See also http://www.southampton.ac.uk/~fangohr/vacancies/skyrmions.html
Inspired by this recent experimental discovery, further works have shown remarkable emergent properties of skyrmions: due to the unexpected stability of the skyrmion lattice, they could potentially be used to record data at the nanoscale. It has also been found that a very low electric current can drive the skyrmions through the film, which opens the door for a low-energy realisation of the much researched race-track memory device.
In this project, we will extend the established micromagnetic framework with the interaction terms that allow to observe and study the skyrmion phase using computer simulation. There is a multitude of interesting studies possible, including the dynamics and thermodynamics of skyrmions, and their interaction with spatially confined structures (leading the path towards logic networks). We will collaborate with teams that carry out experimental studies on these systems.
We use Python combined with C/C++ code where necessary. The micromagnetic code that will be used and extended is the successor of the open source tool Nmag (see http://nmag.soton.ac.uk).
This project can be funded through the Doctoral Training Centre in Complex Systems Simulations (see http://www.icss.soton.ac.uk) if desired.
See also http://www.southampton.ac.uk/~fangohr/vacancies/skyrmions.html
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