Theory Of Current-Driven Domain Wall Motion In Artificial Magnetic Domain Structures

Abstract

This thesis concerns the combination of two overlapping fields in physics: condensed matter and electromagnetism. Specifically the problem posed of simulating the movement of magnetic domains by applied magnetic, and electric, fields. In this investigation electronic structure methods are used in an attempt to parametrise longer length-scale micromagnetic simulations. Previous works in the field have relied upon suitable experiments having been conducted, whereas this work can stand alone - albeit with its own propagation of systematic errors. Modelling is undertaken to predict the applicability of cobalt platinum multilayers as a new type of computer memory. Although results are promising, features not in the remit of this thesis, such as practicality, are noted to be major obstacles that would need to be overcome. Ab initio methods are used with varying success to predict the saturation magnetisation, Gilbert damping parameter, and anisotropy parameter of cobalt platinum systems.

Date of Award	1 Jul 2015
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Simon Crampin (Supervisor) & Simon Bending (Supervisor)