Spin-Phonon interaction for Energy Conversion (SPEC)

Spin-Phonon interaction for Energy Conversion

Research explores spintronic materials that control heat flow

Conventional CMOS scaling seems to be reaching a state of terminal decline: heat generation is a major hurdle that impedes progress toward smaller, faster chips. Spintronic circuits based on magnetic insulators, which do not conduct electric charge but can transport spin, are a promising remedy for these problems. In this regard, insulating transition metal oxides can be designed to show low heat dissipation while showing different types of complex magnetic order.

The EU-funded SPEC project plans to explore magnon–phonon interactions in certain magnetic insulating materials. The focus will be on optimising the heat-into-electrical energy conversion through spin currents (spin Seebeck effect) and to identify the conditions for large thermal rectification.