SEMISPINNET

Initial Training Network in Nanoscale Semiconductor Spintronics

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'We propose an Initial Training Network for advanced nanoscale semiconductor spintronics. This is a coordinated programme of technological, experimental and theoretical research, training and knowledge transfer, by a consortium of leading European academic and industrial research groups. Spintronics is becoming increasingly important as downscaling and power usage in microelectronics approaches fundamental limits. This ITN will provide a framework for structuring research and training efforts in this field and exploiting the new technology. The programme will move well beyond the worldwide state-of-the-art, through development of novel multifunctional nanospintronic devices, by transfer of device concepts to room temperature operation, and by exploration of the potential of low-dimensional systems. This coordinated wide-ranging and multidisciplinary programme is only achievable through a cross-European approach. The ITN will supply the required multidisciplinary and intersectorial training in materials development, device physics and technology and theory, which is crucial for ensuring a highly developed research infrastructure and a critical mass of qualified researchers in this key research area. Researcher mobility will be encouraged, with all appointed fellows spending periods at academic and industrial hosts. Industrial partners will be central to the training programme, ensuring that fellows have an understanding of the needs of end-users of the research. Transferable skills training will be supplied to meet wider employment market needs. The proposal is highly relevant to the ITN objectives, the Information Society Technologies and Nanotechnologies thematic areas of FP7, and ERA strategies to network centres of excellence, increase researcher mobility, and improve cohesion in research. The ITN will provide a body of highly skilled scientists, equipped with the expertise to ensure that European research continues to flourish in this vital area.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Designing spin-based semiconductor devices can offer significant speed and power advantages over conventional electronics. An EU-supported network is helping young researchers acquire the skills to design and implement such systems.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

With scaling approaching its fundamental limits and the increasing demand for efficient power usage, novel technologies will be required for developing electronic devices. With backing from the EU Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), 'Initial training network in nanoscale semiconductor spintronics' (http://www.semispin.net/ (SEMISPINNET)) aimed to equip young researchers and future science leaders with skills and know-how in semiconductor spintronics and nanospintronics.

Through an initial training network, the project engaged early-stage researchers in a number of themes. This included nanospintronics fundamentals, low-dimensional magnetic system growth and properties, and material design and modelling for spin transport and spin-orbit phenomena. The ultimate aim was to develop semiconductor spintronics and nanospintronics prototype devices for room-temperature applications.

The appointed researchers were based at the host institution of one of the network partners. There they undertook a research project related to one or more of the main SEMISPINNET themes and received training in complementary skills. A key aspect was that the young researchers spent time in partner laboratories, cooperating in research, developing new skills and experiencing new working environments. This enhanced researcher mobility and experience as well as improved connectivity between the research groups.

The network collaborative research activities resulted in several key breakthroughs. Researchers demonstrated spintronic phenomena with potential technological relevance, such as electrically controlled magnetism, magnetic vortex dynamics and spin injection. Furthermore, new materials were designed, including topological crystalline insulators and antiferromagnetic semiconductors.

SEMISPINNET produced three patent applications. Project results were disseminated through journals, conferences and workshops.