The Applied Physics research group Physics of Nanostructures uses the NanoLab facilities for the development of next generation solutions for nanoelectronics, spintronics, and magnetic sensing.

Current research is focused on novel concepts for solid-state magnetic memory & logic, magnetic recording and magnetic sensing. This is relevant for a broad range of applications, varying from sensors for automotive to next generation magnetic random access memories.

Furthermore, the group is cooperating with the photonics experts at the TU/e to integrate magnetic racetrack memories with photonic waveguides, which could lead to an entire new class of massive on-chip storage of high data rate information.

Physics of Nanostructures uses the NanoLab@TU/e facilities for the:

• Fabrication and manipulation of racetrack memories, e.g. by influencing the magnetic anisotropy of atomic layers
• Fabrication and spectroscopic analysis of layered magnetic nanostructures and devices
• Development of novel types of magnetic sensors
• Engineering of spintronic structures at down to atomic scale

Dual-beam

Physics of Nanostructures is one of the main users of the dual beam facility. The group uses the dual beam to manipulate magnetic domain wall devices by ion-beam irradiation and local beam-induced deposition.

Besides this, the group explores novel routes for single prototype fabrication of functional (magnetic) nanostructures by means of electron/ion beam-induced deposition, in cooperation with FEI Company, producer of electron microscopes.

Nanofabrication

Physics of Nanostructures develops novel fundamental concepts for spintronic applications. Research activities cover the whole range from in-house materials deposition of multilayered nanofilms, via device fabrication towards their fundamental characterization and investigation. To do so, the group uses almost all facilities available within NanoLab@TU/e, ranging from lithography and etching to back-end processing and inspection at the nanoscale. This way of working provides optimal flexibility, fast feedback and a very rich training environment for students and young researchers.

Read more about the research of FNA