Spin and magnon transport in domains of strained antiferromagnetic SrMnO3 films

This thesis explores the future of sustainable computing by delving into spintronics, a technology that utilizes the magnetic properties of electrons, known as spin, to process and store information. Spintronics has the potential to enhance computing by making devices faster and more efficient.
The focus is on SrMnO₃ (SMO), an insulating material with the intriguing potential to exhibit both magnetic and electrical order simultaneously—a property known as multiferroicity. This unique characteristic could pave the way for new types of computing architectures.
The research investigates how different methods of stretching and compressing SMO (referred to as strain) affect its magnetic properties and the transport of spins within the material. The study begins by growing ultra-thin layers of SMO and examining how variations in the growth process influence the material’s structure. Factors such as oxygen vacancies and cracks in the material play significant roles. These cracks define rectangular domains within SMO that exhibit varying conductive properties, creating fascinating microscopic images.
Advanced techniques using nanoscale devices are employed to probe SMO's magnetic properties, revealing complex magnetic patterns and domain structures. By varying the size and location of these nanodevices, the study examines these magnetic patterns on a very small scale.
The thesis also uncovers SMO’s ability to carry magnons—quantum waves of spin—over long distances, essential for controlling these waves with electric fields. This work highlights SMO's promise as a key material for next-generation spintronic devices, offering new ways to manage information and energy efficiently.