APPLIED MAGNETISM AND SUPERCONDUCTIVITY - 2021/2

Module Overview

This module is designed to provide a broad overview of quantum magnetism and superconductivity and their applications in modern science and technology. Both superconductivity and magnetism are manifestations of electronic charge and spin, and constitute prime examples of phase transitions in metals.  A range of phenomena that is resulting from these phase transitions is surveyed. A significant part of the module is devoted to technological applications in magnetometry and spintronics.

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

CLOWES Steven (Physics)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

The module will assume prior knowledge equivalent to the following modules. If you have not taken these modules you should consult the module descriptors - Quantum Physics (PHY2069). Solid State Physics (PHY2068) & From atoms to Lasers (PHY2062).

Module content

Superconductivity

• Electrodynamics of superconductors
  
  
  
  
  • The London equations
  
  
  • Meissner effect, Vortices
  
  
  • Drude model
  
  
  • Finite frequency response
  
  
  • Type I/II superconductivity.
  
  
  
  


• Cooper pairs and introduction to microscopic theory


• Quantum circuits
  
  
  
  • Josephson effect
  
  
  • The dc SQUID
  
  
  •  Superconducting circuits.
  
  
  
  

• Diamagnetism & Paramagnetism
  
  
  
  
  • Quantum and classical explanation of diamagnetism
  
  
  • Quantum mechanical (Brillouin) theory of paramagnetism
  
  
  • The Brillouin function
  
  
  
  


• Ferromagnetism
  
  
  
  • Origin of ferromagnetism – the exchange interaction
  
  
  • Direct and indirect exchange interaction – anti-ferromagnetism
  
  
  • Characteristics of ferromagnetism
  
  
  
  


• Magnetism in metals
  
  
  
  • Density of states at the Fermi energy
  
  
  • Pauli paramagnetism
  
  
  • Ferromagnetic metals
  
  
  
  


• Domains
  
  
  
  • Domain walls – Bloch and Néel domain walls
  
  
  • Magnetocrystalline anisotropy
  
  
  • Domain formation and magnetisation
  
  
  • Applications of soft and hard magnetic materials
  
  
  
  


• Metal Spintronics
  
  
  
  • Magnetoresistance
  
  
  • The Spin-Valve
  
  
  • Tunnel Magnetoesistance – TMR
  
  
  • Magnetic Random-Access Memory - MRAM
  
  
  • Magnetic Racetrack Memory
  
  
  
  


• Semiconductor Spintronics
  
  
  
  • The Spin Transistor
  
  
  • Spin dynamics in semiconductors
  
  
  • Spin control in semiconductors
  
  
  • Spin lifetime in semiconductors
     
  
  
  
  

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

None.

Assessment Strategy

• 
  analytical ability by solution of unseen problems in both coursework and exam
  


• 
  subject knowledge by recall of both “textbook” theory and important research articles in the exam
  


• 
  ability to generalize text-book theory by open-ended research component in the coursework
  

• 
  2 hour exam with 2 sections: Section A (compulsory) Magnetism: 20 marks, Superconductivity 20 marks. Section B (1 of 2) Magnetism 20 marks or Superconductivity 20 marks., weighted at 70% 
  


• 
  2 assignments on specials topics, which will take a total of 40 hours of effort, each weighted at 15% - total of 30%
  

• 
  Students will receive verbal feedback on progress with problems in tutorials and model solutions to the tutorial questions.
  

Module aims

• This module aims to: To provide an introduction to the important role that electronic interaction plays in solid-state physics leading to phase transitions in electronic systems. To provide an introduction to microscopic theory and phenomenology of both quantum magnetic phenomena and superconductivity. Introduction to applications of solid-state physics to micro-electronics and metrology.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to provide:

• 
  a comprehensive theoretical treatment for the subject knowledge
  


• 
  practice in problem-solving for the cognitive skills
  

• 
  “chalk and talk” lectures (total 22 hours) backed up with a guided study to stimulate uptake of subject knowledge. Lectures will be recorded and made available on Ponopto.
  


• 
  tutorial demonstration of solutions to key problems after students have attempted them for formative feedback (1 hour per week x 11)
  

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PHY3056

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.