arXiv subjects

Ciaran Fowley

Publications and source records attributed to Ciaran Fowley.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2023

Deterministic multi-level spin orbit torque switching using He+ microscopy patterning

He$^+$ ion irradiation is used to pattern multiple areas of Pt/Co/W films with different irradiation doses in Hall bars. The resulting perpendicular magnetic anisotropy landscape enables selective multilevel current-induced switching, with full deterministic control of the position and order of the individual switching elements. Key pattern design parameters are specified, opening a way to scalable multilevel switching devices.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2021

Spin polarization and magnetotransport properties of systematically disordered $\mathrm{Fe}_{60}\mathrm{Al}_{40}$ thin films

We investigate the evolution of spin polarization, spontaneous Hall angle (SHA), saturation magnetization and Curie temperature of $B2$-ordered Fe$_{60}$Al$_{40}$ thin films under varying antisite disorder, induced by Ne$^{+}$-ion irradiation. The spin polarization increases monotonically as a function of ion fluence. A relatively high polarization of 46 % and the SHA of 3.1 % are achieved on 40 nm thick films irradiated with 2 $\cdot$ 10$^{16}$ ions/cm$^2$ at 30 keV. An interesting divergence in the trends of the magnetization and SHA is observed for low disorder concentrations. The high spin polarization and its broad tunability range make ion-irradiated Fe$_{60}$Al$_{40}$ a promising material for application in spin electronic devices.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Helium Ion Microscopy for Reduced Spin Orbit Torque Switching Currents

Spin orbit torque driven switching is a favourable way to manipulate nanoscale magnetic objects for both memory and wireless communication devices. The critical current required to switch from one magnetic state to another depends on the geometry and the intrinsic properties of the materials used, which are difficult to control locally. Here we demonstrate how focused helium ion beam irradiation can modulate the local magnetic anisotropy of a Co thin film at the microscopic scale. Real-time in-situ characterisation using the anomalous Hall effect showed up to an order of magnitude reduction of the magnetic anisotropy under irradiation, and using this, multi-level switching is demonstrated. The result is that spin-switching current densities, down to 800 kA cm$^{-2}$, can be achieved on predetermined areas of the film, without the need for lithography. The ability to vary critical currents spatially has implications not only for storage elements, but also neuromorphic and probabilistic computing.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗