PhD Position in Engineering and integration of electrical domain-wall memory devices

Description of the PhD project

Spin-torque based magnetic domain wall (DW) memories can offer large storage densities by storing multiple bits (domain walls) in a single magnetic nanowire. Stacking of the nanowires in a back-end-of-line (BEOL) process may even allow 3D integration. This project emphasizes the engineering and application aspects and focusses on key technological issues of magnetic domain walls such as thermal stability, stabilization of DWs at notches or other pinning centers, reproducibility of motion (influence of line-edge roughness, temperature dependence), critical current density, heating, high-frequency read and write elements, and how these evolve as dimensions are scaled towards sub-100 nm wires. TU/e will contribute by engineering novel materials, e.g. with perpendicular magnetization or low damping, allowing for a unique tunability of damping, spin polarization, and pinning potential, all crucial parameters for the efficiency of future DW memory devices. 

Conditions

The OIO position is financed by the HTSM program for a period of four years. We are searching for an excellent candidate with a master of science in experimental (applied) physics. A background related to condensed matter physics, nanomagnetism, spintronics, and/or clean room experience will be appreciated. 

Appointment and salary

We offer:

• A challenging job in a young, ambitious research team
• A highly dynamical, international, and multidisciplinary research environment
• A full-time appointment for four years (start date as soon as possible)
• Gross monthly salary from €2042 (first year) to €2612 (fourth year) in line with the Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities
• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including end-of-year allowance, a personal development program for Ph.D students (Proof program), and excellent sport facilities

Information

Prof. dr. ir. H.J.M. Swagten
Department of Applied Physics, TU/e
P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Tel : +31-40-247 4855

Please send us your applications by using the 'apply now' button on the TU/e website.

Apply now