Description du sujet de thèse

The interplay between superconductivity and magnetism has attracted the attention of physicists for years. Spin injection and dynamics in superconductors constitute a key topic, because of their fundamental interest and relevance in the nascent field of ”superconducting spintronics”. The spin dynamics can be excited by ferromagnetic resonance (FMR), particularly by shining microwaves that excite the magnetization precession of the macroscopic-magnetic moment. If the ferromagnet is connected to two superconducting electrodes, and these are close enough, this precession of the magnetization expectedly yields the condition for the generation of unconventional superconducting spin-triplets, thus allowing for Josephson coupling across the ferromagnet [1]. The internship is devoted to experimentally verifying this theoretical prediction and investigating how spin pumping into the superconductor [2] interplays with Josephson coupling. The existing literature on S/F hybrids most often studies (low-Tc) s-wave superconductors. Instead, here we propose (high-Tc) d-wave ones, which are up to now unexplored in this context and display many unique properties. For example, an anisotropic gap results in a high density of QP (Andreev) bound states at the Fermi level.

This PhD thesis will focus on understanding the different mechanisms at play, and the potential of these effects for spintronic applications.

This is an experimental thesis. The student will characterize d-wave superconductor/ferromagnet heterostructures using transport measurements and FMR experiments in a cryogenic environment. The student will interact and work with postdocs, permanent researchers, as well collaborators, experts in theoretical modelling.

Applicant skills: Excellent team player, rigorous and enthusiastic, the candidate has a strong scientific curiosity.

Contexte de travail

Work in the framework of the transverse OP "hybrid superconductors" at UMPhy CNRS/Thales adn PEPR SPIN

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

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Informations complémentaires

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