An Integrated Approach to Making, Understanding, and Using Magnetic Single-Film and Multilayer Systems

该项目研究了基于低场下表现出大磁致伸缩效应的磁性薄膜的磁弹性传感的发展，旨在改善控制巨磁电阻(GMR)机制的界面行为。该项目将专注于不完美的接口及其后果，对非易失性磁随机存取存储器(MRAM)或GMR传感器设计中涉及的传输和磁性方面进行综合实验和建模研究。磁各向异性的低值对于研究是至关重要的，其中将考虑获得所需薄膜性能的几种可能性。磁性薄膜和多层系统是几个前沿技术领域的核心。使用基于GMR的部件已成为计算机磁盘业务的主导市场要素，该业务在1998年构成了380亿美元的企业。巨磁电阻材料的使用是Spintorics(自旋电子学)的核心，包括MRAM的开发，以及读取头和硬盘介质的改进。单膜和多层磁弹性传感器显示了巨大的潜力，因为它们能够提供廉价的化学或环境参数的远程查询传感，以监控正在进行的工业过程，甚至密封容器(如牛奶)中的材料质量。此外，磁弹性传感器还可以为海军或空军提供微型压力和加速度传感器。该项目将启动一项跨学科的努力，整合实验、理论和计算模型研究，以建立一个正在进行的磁性薄膜科学和技术中心。为了提供最先进的中央设施，SQUID磁力仪将首先升级。目标包括在2001年9月之前提交一份NSF MRSEC预案，以及寻求ONR和AFOSR的资金来源。与IBM、Almaden和Seagate的工业合作将提供更多的实验设施，并为学生提供在工业环境中居住的机会。这项努力涉及西弗吉尼亚大学、洛杉矶大学和肯塔基大学之间的合作：杜兰大学和肯塔基大学。

This project, investigating the development of magnetoelastic sensing based on magnetic thin films that display large values of magnetostriction at low fields, aims to improve the interface behavior that controls the mechanisms of giant magnetoresistance (GMR). The project will focus on imperfect interfacing and its consequences, performing integrated experimental and modeling research dealing with both the transport and magnetic aspects involved in the design of nonvolatile magnetic random access memory (MRAM) or GMR sensor. Low values of magnetic anisotropy are crucial to the investigation, where several possibilities for obtaining desirable film properties will be considered. Magnetic films and multilayer systems are central to several forefront technological areas. The use of GMR-based components has become the dominant market element in the computer disc business, which in 1998 constituted a $38 billion enterprise. The use of GMR materials is at the heart of spintorics (spin electronics), which includes the development of MRAM, and the improvement of read heads and hard disc media. Single film and multilayer magnetoelastic sensors exhibit great potential due to their ability to provide inexpensively remote query sensing of chemical or environmental parameters to monitor ongoing industrial processes, even the quality of material in sealed containers (e.g., milk). Morever, magnetoelastic sensors can also provide miniature pressure and acceleration sensors for Navy or Air Force use. The project will initiate an interdisciplinary effort integrating experimental, theoretical, and computational modeling research to establish an ongoing Center for the Sciences and Technology of Magnetic Films. To provide a state-of-the-art central facility, the SQUID magnetometer will be upgraded first. Targets involve the submission of an NSF MRSEC preproposal by September 2001, and the pursuit of ONR and AFOSR funding sources. Industrial collaboration with IBM Almaden and Seagate will provide additional experimental facilities as well as the opportunity for students to spend residential time in an industrial environment. The effort involves collaboration among WV, LA, and KY: Tulane University and University of Kentucky.