All-electrical manipulation of artificial frustrated systems

This experimental project concerns driving the dynamics of frustrated nanomagnets, such as artificial spin ices, using spin torques to study their response to a drive with a different symmetry to a magnetic field and to study their miniaturisability for applications in fields such as neuromorphic computing. <br /> <br /> Frustration is the inability of a physical system to simultaneously satisfy competing constraints. It occurs across physics and beyond, but is a particularly important topic in magnetism, a field in which (relatively) simple systems can be represented by toy statistical mechanical models that can then be extended into other fields model phenomena as diverse as forest fires and financial networks.<br /> <br /> The study of frustration in magnetism has recently been given a new lease of life since artificial frustrated systems can now be built and studied using nanotechnology: in the case of magnetism, this is done by constructing arrays of magnetic nanoelements arranged in patterns where their magnetostatic interactions are frustrated.<br /> <br /> The advantages of this approach is that it is possible to build experimental realisations of models that nature does not provide crystal structures for, with every parameter in the model tunable by adjusting the element size, shape, and spacing. Moreover, the microstates of these artificial statistical mechanical systems can be inspected in detail using advanced magnetic microscopy methods, including time-resolved imaging presenting new ways of studying the underlying models, with potential applications in predicting their behaviour under different conditions. <br /> <br /> However, manipulating the magnetic states of these systems has to date always been done by applying external magnetic fields. This requires bulky external magnets and can consume a great deal of energy. We therefore propose to use spin-torques to drive the dynamics of these nanostructures using electrical currents. These spin torques can have different symmetries to magnetic fields, opening up the prospect of new forms of dynamics. The fact that we will have an all-electrical system also means that it can be miniaturised into chip form, suitable for low energy applications in areas such as unconventional and neuromorphic computing.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying to<em><strong> PHD Physics & Astronomy FT,</strong></em> in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>All-electrical manipulation of artificial frustrated systems</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://condensed-matter.leeds.ac.uk/people/chm/">Prof Christopher Marrows</a> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, please state clearly <em><strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong></em>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p style="margin-bottom:11px"><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 13 December 2024 if applying for the Bell Burnell Scholarship, Monday 6 January 2025 if applying for the China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship, Monday 3 February 2025 if applying for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or Tuesday 1 April 2025 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship.</strong></p> <p>If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:</p> <ul style="margin-bottom:11px"> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/102-bell-burnell-scholarship-award-awarded-by-the-iop">Bell Burnell Scholarship Award</a> is available to support applicants who are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics (awarded by the IOP) <strong>(closing date: Friday 13 December 2024)</strong>. The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a> <strong>(closing date: Monday 3 February 2025)</strong> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025)</strong> are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China <strong>(closing date: Monday 6 January 2025).</strong> The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:EMAIL@leeds.ac.uk">m</a><a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">aps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Christopher Marrows by email to <a href="mailto:C.H.Marrows@leeds.ac.uk">C.H.Marrows@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>