ERA NanoSci-Nanowire based Microwave Emitters for Use in Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (NanoWave)

Basic data for this project

Type of project: Individual project
Duration: 01/04/2009 - 31/03/2012

Description

The key scientific objective is to develop an understanding of the phase coherency and the mechanism of phase locking in arrays of nanoscale contacts in the process of the spin polarised induced generation of microwaves by spin torque. We shall focus on the quality factor of the microwave oscillator and its dependency on the size of the individual nanocontacts, the separation between the contacts and on the angle between the magnetic moments of the polarizer and the free layer. The nanocontacts shall be formed by intersection of the array of magnetic nanowires and cross-electrodes. We shall investigate the effect of the coherent coupling of microwave emissions from such arrays and determine the power enhancement as a factor of proximity between the neighbouring nanowires or between magnetic contacts positioned along the same nanowire. The technical goal of the project is to open up avenues that allow the fabrication of generators for use in monolithic microwave integrated devices. An important point which distinguishes this project from many others is the self-assembly of arrays of nanocontacts using a shallow angle deposition technique capable of forming regular, well ordered planar arrays of nanowires and also the geometry of magnetic nanocontacts that allows for experiments with large angle between magnetic moments of the two ferromagnetic layers.

Keywords: nanowire; microwave; emitter