Modern Aspects of Magnetism
Module PH2280
Basic Information
PH2280 is a semester module in English language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.
This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.
- Specific catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Biophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 h | 30 h | 5 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2280 is Christian Back.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
Based on the fundamental knowledge of magnetism thies module studies recent developments in magnetism with a focus on spintronics.
The following subjects will be covered:
- magnetism and domain formation in ultra thin films
- spin transport in nanostructures and spin transport across interfaces
- spin transfer torque based current-induced domain wall motion
- spin transfer torque based magnetic switching
- magnetization dynamics on picosecond timescales described by the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation of motion
Learning Outcome
After successful completion of the module the students are able to:
- understand domain formation in ultra thin films and the spin reorientation transition
- describe the equation of motion for the magnetization
- understand spin transport in magnetic nanostructures
- explain spin transfer torque and current induced magnetization dynamics
Preconditions
Successful completion of the module PH2033: Magnetism or PH2265: Magnetism and magnetic materials is recommended.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
| Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VO | 2 | Modern Aspects of Magnetism | Back, C. |
Fri, 10:00–12:00, PH 2271 |
eLearning |
Learning and Teaching Methods
In the thematically structured lecture the learning content is presented. With cross references between different topics the universal concepts in physics are shown. In scientific discussions the students are involved to stimulate their analytic-physics intellectual power.
Media
Lecture, beamer presentation, board work, discussion
Literature
J. Stöhr & H.C. Siegmann: Magnetism: From Fundamentals to Nanoscale Dynamics, Springer, (2018)
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
There will be an oral exam of 25 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample calculations.
For example an assignment in the exam might be:
- Explain the domain formation in ultra thin films.
- What is the origin of the spin reorientation transition in ultra thin films?
- Describe the precessional switching.
- Describe the current-induced domain wall motion.
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.