Spintronics I: low dimensionality, interfaces and conversion effects

Chiral magnetic textures
We study the static and dynamic properties of various chiral magnetic textures such as magnetic skyrmions and, more recently, three-dimensional textures like cocoons. We draw on our expertise in building magnetic multilayers and engineering their magnetic properties, including their anisotropy, dipolar couplings and chiral interface interaction. We use various imaging techniques combined with transport measurements and simulations to characterize the static and dynamic properties of chiral textures. In addition to these fundamental studies, we are seeking to optimize them for use in devices such as neuro-inspired components.

Charge-spin and charge-orbit conversion
Spin-charge conversion (SCC) and reciprocal phenomenon gather several physical effects required to promote efficient spin-currents and/or spin accumulations effects under a current application. These current/accumulation are generated owing to the spin-orbit interactions of bulk materials (Inverse Spin Hall Effects with heavy metals e.g. Pt, W, Ta) and/or at their interfaces (Rashba interactions with topological insulators such as Bi1-xSbx or Bi2Se3). They may interact with a local magnetization until able to switch the magnetization. Beyond the fundamental understanding of the mechanisms, one goal is to take benefit of these effects for a rapid and energy-efficient magnetization switching that can be used in a new generation of MRAM magnetic memory technologies (SOT-MRAM), for a new generation of smart controllable TMR magnetic sensors as well as THz emitters in the time domain.

Molecular and 2D nanospintronics
The aim of this research area is to create synergies and develop new ideas at the interface between emerging nanoelectronics fields such as spintronics, molecular electronics and two-dimensional materials. The aim is to provide new solutions for the low-power electronics and “Beyond-CMOS”, by focusing on researching, understanding and exploiting new physical mechanisms beyond those usually available with conventional spintronic materials.