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Assembling Materials Atom by Atom

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Understanding materials with innovative characterisation methods

Master and Bachelor Theses

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PhD Theses

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Research Topics

We investigate magnetic phenomena in materials with tailored structural and electronic properties, focusing on interface systems spanning the range from single atoms and molecules to multilayer films and microelectronic devices. Here, the microscopic interplay of structure, size, and electronic effects determines the emergence of magnetic and transport properties that have no counterpart in bulk magnets. Specific areas of interest include:

Spintronics

Magnetic nanostructures

Molecular magnets

Novel magnetic probes

Our experiments aim at finding efficient ways to control the magnetization in nanoscale systems, either by tuning material parameters such as the composition, thickness, and lateral size, or by external means such as electric currents and fields. Technology applications include the development of integrated spintronic devices, storage media, and nanoscale magnets.

In addition to these topics, we investigate the way in which thin films grow, e.g., by molecular beam epitaxy, as well as the surface-directed self-assembly of nanostructures and metal-organic networks. Our experimental tools include magneto-transport and magneto-optic probes, scanning probe microscopy, polarized x-ray absorption spectroscopy and microscopy.

A compass pointing West

A compass pointing west

Researchers from the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI in Villigen and the ETH Zurich have discovered a special phenomenon in magnets. This phenomenon takes place at the nanoscale and enables magnets to be assembled in unusual configurations, which could also be useful for computer technology and data storage. ETH News

At the frontiers of magnetism

Enlarged view: Molecular Magnetism

The smallest possible magnets are the size of a single atom. We have reached the limits of optimisation of the tiny particles: we have created single atom magnets that are as strong and stable as is physically possible for the class of atoms used. ETH News

A new type of magnetoresistance

Enlarged view: Molecular Magnetism

More than 150 years ago, William Thomson, later Lord Kelvin, discovered the magnetoresistive effect. Today, this finding enables sensors to measure the rotational speed of a car wheel, and is also used in compass navigation and robot control systems. ETH material scientists have now found a new kind of magnetoresistance that promises further insight into basic research and could one day be used for practical applications. ETH News

Recent Publications

Magneto-optical detection of the spin Hall effect in metals

MOKE

The flow of an electric current magnetizes the surface of Pt and W wires which can be optically detected. Read more.

Fast magnetic writing of data

STXM

Magnetic data storage has long been considered too slow for use in the working memories of computers. Researchers at ETH have now investigated a technique by which magnetic data writing can be done considerably faster and using less energy. ETH News

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