Engineering exchange bias at all-oxide interfaces for voltage-controlled magnetism

Exchange bias refers to the horizontal shift of the magnetic hysteresis loop of a ferromagnetic layer (FM) when coupled to an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer. It is a key interfacial effect in magnetic heterostructures and underpins electrically controllable spintronic technologies. In conventional metallic systems, exchange bias originates from the coupling between uncompensated spins at ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic interfaces. By contrast, oxide interfaces offer a fundamentally different platform, where exchange bias may be governed not only by uncompensated spins, but also by the complex interplay between spin, charge, lattice, and orbital degrees of freedom. Although exchange bias has been widely studied in manganite thin films with in-plane magnetic anisotropy, its behaviour in systems with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) remains less explored. Such magnetic systems are of strong fundamental and technological interest, particularly for building next-generation spintronic memories with higher storage density and faster operation.<br /> <br /> The project will focus on epitaxial heterostructures combining the multiferroic bismuth ferrite with ferromagnetic manganites. Thin films will be grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) at the Royce Institute, University of Leeds. The magnetic anisotropy of the manganite layers will be tuned from in-plane to perpendicular through epitaxial strain engineering, superlattice design, and spin-orbit coupling enhanced by heavy-element doping, including Ir and Ru. The student will investigate how structural symmetry, strain, interfacial coupling, and magnetic anisotropy influence exchange bias at all-oxide interfaces. The heterostructures will be characterised using laboratory-based magnetometry and scanning probe microscopy within the Condensed Matter Physics group at the University of Leeds, as well as advanced scattering techniques at large-scale synchrotron and neutron facilities.

<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's website</a>. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN. </p> <p>•    For <strong>‘Appli</strong><strong>cation type’</strong> please select <strong>‘Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate’</strong>. <br /> •    The <strong>admission year</strong> for this project is <strong>2026/27 Academic Year</strong>. <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>PHD Physics &  Astronomy Full Time</strong>’. <br /> •    The <strong>project start date</strong> for this project is<strong> </strong>from<strong> 1 October 2027</strong>, please use this as your <strong>Proposed Start Date of Research</strong>. <br /> •    Please state clearly in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <strong>Engineering exchange bias at all-oxide interfaces for voltage-controlled magnetism</strong> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/physics/staff/4118/dr-thomas-moore">Dr Thomas Moore</a><strong> </strong>as your proposed supervisor.</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, 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>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application 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 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>This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (<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>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Thomas Moore by emailing <a href="mailto:T.A.Moore@leeds.ac.uk">T.A.Moore@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact the Postgraduate Research Admissions team at <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>