CEM researchers are performing interdisciplinary research on new understanding of electron-spin injection and transport in low-dimensional, spin-preserving materials, and on the synthesis and exploitation of multifunctional properties of innovative double perovskite heterostructures.
The two IRGs of the CEM are laying the scientific foundation for creating new opportunities and directions in spintronics through innovation in synthesis/growth of emergent materials, development of probes for understanding emergent phenomena, and predictive theory/modeling.
IRG-1: Towards Spin-Preserving, Heterogeneous Spin Networks
In anticipation of a need for spin-preserving, heterogeneous networks for next-generation spintronic devices, IRG-1 studies fundamental interactions within the unit cell of a prototype spin network. At the heart of this network are low-dimensional structures made of spin-preserving materials (silicon, carbon). Efficient generation of spin-polarized free carriers and their injection into these structures is studied together with the transport and extraction of those carriers.
IRG-2: Double Perovskite Interfaces and Heterostructures
Growth and characterization of epitaxial double perovskite thin films and heterostructures are being pursued by IRG-2, coupled with the development of theoretical models to understand and predict their properties. Perovskite heterostructures allow properties of individual layers to be varied dramatically while the common structural framework allows maintaining epitaxial registry between layers. Also, interfacial phenomena are being used to prepare novel materials and control the properties of the heterostructures.
An aggressive Seed Funding program complements the research structured under the IRGs by providing an agile support mechanism for the very latest developments in materials research, and by identifying and nurturing future leaders in the field. This allows the CEM to have an impact beyond the IRGs membership. CEM is a founding member of the OSU Materials Research Seed Grant Program. This integrated program, started in 2010, jointly leverages resources of three organizations to achieve the greatest impact for seeding excellence in materials research of varying scopes.