SUPERSPIN · Superconducting Spintronics for Highly Energery Efficient Cryogenic Memory Applications

Superconducting Spintronics for Highly Energery Efficient Cryogenic Memory Applications

The dissipation of heat in traditional silicon (CMOS) based electronics is a major source of inefficiency and environmental impact. Superconductors are, by nature, dissipationless. To achieve the promised efficiency increases of these computers requires a new type of low-temperature memory architecture. SUPERSPIN will take advantage of spin-polarised Cooper pairs for the promising application of cryogenic memory, where information can be stored by either the state of the system (superconducting or normal), or in the phase difference between superconductors across a Josephson junction. The conclusions of the action: The scientific achievements of the project have studied in great detail the role of spin orbit coupling on a triplet state in a Josephson junction. The second scientific conclusion is the study of alternative base superconducting electrodes for Josephson devices, where the improved structural property of lower surface roughness greatly improves the junction’s characteristics. Finally, the incoming phase demonstrated PMA materials for cryogenic memory application. The scientific advances are significant advances beyond the state-of-the-art and have led to the publication of 10 peer reviewed journal articles. Beyond the scientific achievements of the project, knowledge transfer has successfully allowed the fellow to implement new techniques in both host intuitions. The fellow has used his world leading knowledge of x-ray and neutron scattering to implement new experimental techniques in the Birge group at MSU. The MSU group itself is recognized as world leading on production of superconducting devices, and the fellow has successfully implemented the device fabrication procedure to the Leeds group. The fellows career prospects have been greatly enhanced through participation in the fellowship and career development plan. In particular, the fellow has attended career workshops and had networking opportunities at major international conferences. It is the intention of the fellow to submit further research funding applications to continue his career in this field.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union