SST: Optimization of Giant Magnetoresistive Nanolaminates for Novel Sensor Applications

提出了一项涉及CPP-GMR传感器堆栈优化的基础性研究。这将涉及自旋电子器件物理的基础理论研究，这将导致优化的器件设计，包括为优化性能而选择的材料、层厚度和器件结构。巨磁电阻堆叠沉积的研究将侧重于薄膜沉积的优化，特别关注界面工程。此外，深入研究不同工艺条件下多层膜的成核和生长，将有助于更好地理解如何产生和控制这些薄膜的性质以及随后的电磁特性。GMR传感器的后续制造具有足够的复杂性，将为学生提供大量接触各种最先进的沉积、光刻、电子束光刻以及干法和湿法蚀刻处理技术和设备的机会。将使用一系列先进的分析设备对这些纳米层状物进行深入的结构、磁学和电学表征。用透射电子显微镜和原子探针层析技术对GMR堆进行原子尺度的表征，将极大地提高拟议研究的科学价值。这项研究的技术动机是希望为军用和民用的新型传感器创造新的材料、工艺和结构。这项研究是跨学科的，涉及冶金和材料工程、电气和计算机工程以及物理系。拟议活动产生的更广泛影响拟议的研究是跨学科的，整合了来自三个系(冶金和材料工程、电气和计算机工程以及物理学)的教职员工。该项目的研究生是一名少数族裔女性，将接受材料选择、纳米层加工、器件制造、原子、微结构、电气和磁性表征等学科的培训，并将获得物理和化学、冶金、材料和电气工程方面的知识。该项目将与陆军研究实验室和Veeco仪器公司合作，使学生能够接触到从传感器设计和制造到真空技术和阴极设计和开发的广泛技术，并直接接触到陆军研究实验室和工业领域的职业选择。还计划从邻近的HBCU招收少数民族女性本科生。这一点，再加上一名少数族裔女性研究生和一名女性PI，将成为全国和全球少数族裔女性进入科学和工程领域的强大和积极的榜样。

0529369GuptaIntellectual merit of the proposed researchA fundamental study involving optimization of the CPP-GMR sensor stack is proposed. This will involve a fundamental theoretical study of the physics of the spintronic device, which will lead to an optimized device design, including selection of the materials, layer thicknesses, and device structure for optimized performance. The study in GMR stack deposition will emphasize optimization of thin-film deposition with particular attention being given to interfacial engineering. Furthermore, a thorough investigation of multilayer film nucleation and growth under various processing conditions, will lead to a better understanding of how to generate and control the properties of these films and their subsequent electrical and magnetic characteristics. Subsequent fabrication of the GMR sensor has sufficient complexity and will provide the student with substantial exposure to various state-of-the-art deposition, photolithography, e-beam lithography and dry and wet etch processing techniques and equipment. In-depth structural, magnetic and electrical characterization of these nanolaminates will be carried out using a wide range of advanced analytical equipment. Atomic scale characterization of the GMR stacks by transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography will greatly enhance the scientific merit of the proposed research. The technological motivation for this research is grounded in the desire to create novel materials, processes and structures for novel sensors for military and civilian applications. The research is interdisciplinary, involving the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics departments. The broader impacts resulting from the proposed activityThe proposed research is interdisciplinary, integrating faculty and students from three departments (Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics). Graduate students on this project, one a minority female will receive training in disciplines of materials selection, nanolayer processing, device fabrication, and atomic, microstructural, electrical and magnetic characterization, and will gain an understanding of physics and chemistry, metallurgical, materials and electrical engineering. The project will have collaboration with the Army Research Laboratories and Veeco Instruments, which will allow the students to be exposed to a broad range of technologies - from sensor design and fabrication to vacuum technology and cathode design and development, and have direct exposure to career options at the Army Research Laboratories as well as in industry. Recruitment of minority female undergraduate students from a neighboring HBCU is also planned. This, along with having a minority female graduate student as well as a female PI, will serve as a strong and positive role model for minority women entering science and engineering, both nationally and globally.