Emerging Spintronic Devices for Memory, Logic, and Microwave Technologies
Sayeef Salahuddin, Professor
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Applications for Fall 2026 are closed for this project.
As conventional electronics approach fundamental limits in energy efficiency and scaling, controlling the spin of electrons offers new opportunities for memory, logic, and microwave technologies. Recent advances in quantum and magnetic materials—including topological materials and both collinear and non-collinear antiferromagnets—have revealed unconventional mechanisms for generating and controlling spin currents and magnetic dynamics.
In this project, we will explore the physics and applications of these emerging spintronic devices. Topics may include spin-torque-driven oscillators and microwave sources, electrical generation and detection of magnetic dynamics, electrically controlled magnetic switching, and spin-based memory and logic. We will investigate how the symmetry and electronic structure of novel materials can be used to engineer new device functionalities and improve energy efficiency.
Students may participate in one or more aspects of the project, including device modeling and simulation, electrical and microwave measurements, automated data acquisition and analysis, and interpretation of experimental results.
Role: (i) Understanding of spin transport, spin-orbit torques, and magnetic dynamics; (ii) experience with electrical and microwave characterization of nanoscale devices; (iii) experience with data acquisition, analysis, and numerical modeling; and (iv) experience communicating scientific results through figures, presentations, and potentially publications.
Qualifications: : Coursework or experience in solid-state physics, magnetism, or quantum mechanics is essential. Some experience with Python, MATLAB, or another scientific programming language is preferred.
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Dereck Johnson
Related website: http://eecs.berkeley.edu/~sayeef/
Engineering, Design & Technologies Mathematical and Physical Sciences