Nanomagnetic Materials for Information Storage (357-0-1)
Instructors
Charudatta Mohan Phatak
Meeting Info
Technological Institute M164: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
In the current era of digital technology, all of us have used computers or smartphones which store and process data, but how many of you have thought about the nanoscale materials from which the various components are made, or the vast amount of materials science research that goes into choosing the materials. The aim of this course is to provide an overview of the materials currently in use in magnetic data storage and processing, together with an overview of the recording and read processes in magnetic hard disc drives, as well as development of next generation magnetic memories. Further to give the student enough theory background in magnetism and magnetic materials to understand WHY particular materials are favored.
The course is not quantum-mechanical in outlook as this is not really necessary to explain the materials choices. The main theoretical background will be used to arrive at an understanding of the basic energy terms that control the properties of magnetic materials when they are patterned at the nanoscale. Magnetic device sizes are fast becoming smaller than the limit for semiconductor devices and this places considerable challenges on the materials systems that can be used. New and current research directions in this field will also be introduced towards the end of the course.