Energy harvesting with magnetic thin films

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Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Full Project Detail:
The spin Seebeck effect is a newly discovered phenomenon that manifests as the generation of a spin current when a magnetic material is subjected to a temperature gradient. For this reason it is often classed with a larger group of effects under the umbrella term “spin caloritronics”, i.e. the interplay of spin and thermal currents that have implications for future electronic devices. A potential application of this effect is in new technologies such as alternative energy harvesting devices, or as a source of spin currents in spintronics applications.

You will be working alongside a team of researchers as part of the EPSRC Fellowship “Reliable, Scalable and Affordable Thermoelectrics: Spin Seebeck Based Devices for Energy Harvesting” where we are developing new devices and metrology of the spin Seebeck effect. This could involve, amongst others: fabrication of devices using thin film deposition; device fabrication using photolithography; characterisation of devices with X-ray Diffraction and Reflectivity; use of largescale facilities such as synchrotrons and neutron beamline; and other characterisation such as SEM, electric, thermal and magnetic measurements.

This will largely be an experimental project but there is scope for the student to carry out simulations as needed.

Find out more:
https://kmphysics.com/

http://gow.epsrc.ac.uk/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/P006221/1

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/science/study/postgraduate-research/studentships/

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Physics or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage:
• Low temperature measurements
• Materials characterisation techniques (such as SEM or TEM)
• X-ray diffraction measurements

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Physics.

Please quote reference number: KM-2/PH/2018