Spin-Phonon interaction for Energy Conversion

ended

Heat dissipation is one of the great challenges for microelectronic and information technologies, which is aggravated by the reduction of the transistor dimensions and the increases in packing density and amount of data. Therefore, beyond CMOS technologies and heat management strategies are important challenges that need to be faced for the sustainable development of a knowledge-based society. The exploration of spin-based devices exploiting novel mechanisms is one of the possible routes to explore. In particular, insulator spintronics has great potential. Since magnetic insulating materials (mostly transition metal oxides, TMO) can offer lower heat dissipation due to the absence of charge carriers and no Joule heating losses. Moreover, TMO can offer new functionalities due to the mutual interaction between several degrees of freedom: electronic, magnetic, lattice. One example; is the spin-lattice interaction which has recently gained increased attention. In this present proposal, I will explore magnon-phonon interaction effects in suitable magnetic insulating materials to investigate their potential for magnetic-field-controlled heat-rectification effects, as well as their contribution to spin-based thermoelectric conversion phenomena (spin Seebeck effect). I will carry out the proposed research under the supervision of Prof. F. Rivadulla at CIQUS-USC and secondments in the group of Prof. M. Klaui at JGU-Mainz, thereby making use of the complementary expertise and stablishing a collaborative work environment between both institutions. Moreover, the experience I acquired during the last 5 years in Prof. Saitoh laboratory at Tohoku University will be critical for the success of this project, placing me in an unbeatable moment to tackle this ambitious research.