Magnetism and Spin Phenomena in Low Dimensional Electronic Systems

This module gives an overview over magnetism and spin-phenomena in low-dimensional semiconductor systems and nanostructures. After an introduction to the basics of magnetism electronic band structures with special regard to spin-orbit coupling are discussed. In the following, magnetic quantum oscillations in two-dimensional electron systems are treated. The impact of the spin degree of freedom, of the many-body interaction and of the dimensionality of the charge carrier systems on the energy spectrum in a magnetic field is considered and explained within theoretical models. Relevant aspects of semiconductor spintronics like injection and detection of spin-polarized currents, spin coherence and spin relaxation, optical spin orientation and electrical manipulation of spin states via spin-orbit coupling are discussed.

After successful participation in this module the student is able to:

1. describe the impact of spin-orbit coupling on the electronic states in semiconductors;
2. to comprehend and explain orbital and spin-related effects on the magnetism of low-dimensional electron systems;
3. evaluate the influence of disorder, temperature, many-body effects, choice of material and dimensionality on the electronic spectrum;
4. to name and explain basic physical aspects of modern semiconductor spintronics like electrical and optical spin injection, manipulation and detection;
5. differentiate between different spin-dependent scattering mechanisms;
6. to understand and explain properties of magnetic semiconductors
7. develop a scientific theme with guidance, create a presentation and give a talk as well as judge presentation techniques and apply them.

Keine Vorkenntnisse nötig, die über die Zulassungsvoraussetzungen zum Masterstudium hinausgehen.

lecture, beamer presentation, board work

lecture script, accompanying internet site, complementary literature

1. S. Blundell: Magnetism in Condensed Matter (Oxford University Press, 2001)
2. Y. Singleton: Band Theory and Electronic Properties of Solids (Oxford University Press, 2001)
3. P.Y. Yu: Fundamentals of Semiconductors (Springer Berlin, 1996)
4. M.I. Dyakonov (Ed.): Spin Physics in Semiconductors (Springer Series in Solid-State Sciences 157, 2008)
5. Stefan Blügel, Daniel Bürgler, Markus Morgenstern, Claus M. Schneider, Rainer Waser (Eds.): Spintronics - From GMR to Quantum Information, (Schriften des Forschungszentrums Jülich Reihe Schlüsseltechnologien / Key Technologies Band/Volume 10)
6. Kronmüller H., Parkin S.S.P. (Eds.): Handbook of Magnetism and Advanced Magnetic Materials, Vols. 1-5 (Wiley, Chichester, 2007)

In an oral exam the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.

In accordance with §12 (8) APSO the exam can be done as a written test. In this case the time duration is 60 minutes.