Research projects

The semiconductor industry heavily relies on materials whose extraction, production, and purification environmentally harmful. At the same time, the growing demand for data storage and transfer (from data centers to personal computers, mobile phones, the internet of things, etc.) requires denser and faster technology.

In this context, nanoscale magnetism presents unique opportunities to revolutionize existing electronics. Current magnetic memory and computing devices are being developed by harnessing the spin of the electron in functional heterostructures to read and manipulate magnetic states. This is achieved via the torques exerted by the spin currents generated in heavy metals with high spin-orbit coupling. Using this mechanism, several companies have proposed and developed novel storage devices such as the SOT-MRAM. However, these technologies still rely on the use of critical materials, so a sustainable alternative is needed. LIGHT-MATER aims to reshape our electronic technologies by harnessing emerging interfacial phenomena and orbital momenta in light materials, which are less contaminant and abundant on Earth .

We will design multilayer structures with favorable structural and electronic properties to exploit the orbital momentum generated by electric currents in light materials and interfaces to operate magnetic memories as an alternative to spin. Furthermore, we will demonstrate the ability to operate magnetic devices with both in-plane and out-of-plane anisotropy, while reducing the current and energy required for their operation. The heterostructures and devices will be fabricated by employing thin film multilayer growth and nanofabrication tools in cleanroom facilities, and characterized using advanced magnetotransport, magneto-optical imaging, and synchrotron X-ray techniques.

Our ultimate goal is to establish a new platform for the realization of magnetic memories and computing elements based on light materials such as Mn, Cr, Ti, Al, Cu, and C, reducing our heavy dependence on critical materials. We will also prioritize less polluting ferromagnetic elements such as Fe and Ni as alternatives to Co.