Undergraduate Physics Seminar: "ST-FMR measurements of low-symmetry van der Waals material TaIrTe4," Danaan Perry

Efficient magnetic memory requires compact storage through out-of-plane polarization as well as an energy-efficient write path. The write mechanism we are investigating uses out-of-plane spin-orbit torques (ZSOTs) to switch the magnetization of a thin ferromagnetic layer. These ZSOTs are not possible to generate in many materials due to symmetry restrictions; to overcome this, we study the low-symmetry van der Waals material TaIrTe4. The current literature indicates that TaIrTe4 produces strong ZSOTs, but measured values of the efficiency are inconsistent. The goal of this project was to fabricate test devices including TaIrTe4 so that the efficiency of the ZSOT can be measured using the technique of spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR). 

In this talk I will explain my work at Cornell University this past summer as part of the CNF REU. Throughout my project I faced numerous challenges and set-backs commonly experienced in experimental physics. I will discuss these challenges and how I overcame them, my overall REU experience, and how other undergraduate students can find such opportunities.

Join via Zoom: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/84466699377?pwd=PoAMbQGYd24NS2AuwwvYgh1i3Iuvfg.1