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 advantage 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. <br />

<p>To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>Application type</strong> please select <strong>Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate</strong>. <br /> •    The admission year for this project is <strong>2026/27</strong> Academic Year. <br /> •    You will need to select your <strong>Planned Course of Study</strong> from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select <strong>PHP Physics & Astronomy Full Time.</strong> <br /> •    The project start date for this project is <strong>1 October 2026</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the<strong> Research Information Section</strong> that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>All-electrical manipulation of artificial frustrated systems</strong> as well as <a href="https://condensed-matter.leeds.ac.uk/people/chm/">Prof Christopher Marrows</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance section</strong>, <strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong>.</p> <p>More information on how to apply is available on our website <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">here</a>. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.</p> <p>We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.</p> <p><strong>If you are applying for University or School Scholarships for 2026/27 entry, with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <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><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>

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><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>Scholarship opportunities open from October 2025</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2024">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: 1 April 2026)</strong> and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> <strong>(closing date: 1 April 2026)</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>(Now closed for October 2026 entry)</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>Please note that if you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</p> <p>If you are applying for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or the Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship, you will need to complete a separate application, specific to these scholarships, to be considered for funding.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£340 in Session 2025/26), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Eligibility Criteria</strong></p> <ul> <li>Applications are open to either International or Home (UK) applicants.</li> </ul> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website or our <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduate-fees/doc/fee-assessment">fee assessment page</a> for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p> <p><strong>Important: Please be aware that any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights, etc) would be their responsibility and is not covered by this award</strong></p> <p><strong>Other Conditions</strong></p> <ul> <li>Candidates who have previously been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded from applying. Those who were previously studying for a PhD but did not complete may be considered. </li> <li>Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2026.</li> <li>Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.</li> </ul>

<p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.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>