Ultra-Low Power and Ultra-Sensitive Spintronic Nanowire Strain Sensor

该方案的研究目标是研究一种超低功耗、小型化、自旋电子式、具有超高灵敏度的纳米线应变传感装置。这一概念利用了两种不同的物理现象：(I)纳米级磁致伸缩材料中的应力诱导磁化旋转；(Ii)由软层的磁化取向旋转引起的由硬磁层/间隔层/软磁层组成的自旋阀异质结构纳米线的磁阻变化。如果成功，这将导致一种微型应变传感器，其有效面积为0.1 mm x 0.1 mm，灵敏度超过最先进水平，同时消耗的功率减少2-3个数量级。这样的设备可能会对几个领域产生强烈影响，如结构健康监测、压力、流动、声学和地震传感。该项目将为博士生提供强大的多学科经验和指导，并将通过数学科学创新中心，为高中生加强关于传感和能源收集的创新研讨会。代表不足的K-12学生将在VCU的里士满地区工程少数民族计划(RAPME)计划下，在夏季接受为期一个月的培训，并根据该项目进行纳米制造方面的培训。

The research objective of this proposal is to investigate an ultra-low power, miniaturized, spintronic nanowire strain sensing device with an ultra-high sensitivity. This concept leverages two different physical phenomena: (i) stress induced magnetization rotation in nanoscale magnetostrictive materials; and (ii) change in the magneto-resistance of a "spin-valve" heterostructure nanowire consisting of magnetically-hard/spacer/magnetically-soft layers, which is induced by a rotation of the magnetization orientation of the soft layer.If successful, this could lead to a miniature strain sensor with an active area of 0.1mm x 0.1mm and with a sensitivity exceeding state-of-the-art, while consuming 2-3 orders of magnitude less power. Such a device could strongly impact several areas such as structural health monitoring, pressure, flow, acoustic and seismic sensing. This project will provide a strong multidisciplinary experience and mentorship for PhD students and will be leveraged to enhance innovative workshops on sensing and energy harvesting for high school students through the Math-Science Innovation Center. Under-represented K-12 students will be hosted for a month in summer under VCU's Richmond Area Program for Minorities in Engineering (RAPME) program and trained in nanofabrication under this project.