Electrically Switchable Ferromagnetic Josephson Junctions

Key facts

This experimental project in superconducting spintronics will study spin-torques in ferromagnetic superconducting Josephson Junctions.

Superconducting computers operating at 4.2K have been proposed to solve the problems of energy usage by large-scale computing, as components for a neuromorphic computer and to interface between a quantum computer operator at millikelvin temperatures and conventional room temperature electronics. Whilst the technology to implement logic in such a 4.2K computer is well established, there remains, as yet, no suitable technology to implement cryogenic memory beyond registers. This project aims to address this need by developing the physics and materials to implement memory technologies based on ferromagnetic Josephson junctions.

A ferromagnetic Josephson junction based memory combines the magnetic storage capabilities of a conventional magneto-resistive RAM cell with the dissipation- less nature of a superconductors. As with the first generation of MRAM designs, our initial ferromagnetic Josephson junction designs rely on an applied field to set the state of the junction1–3. In a modern MRAM cell, the state is set by making use of spin-transfer torque or spin-orbit torques to electrical change the magnetic state. To date, there has not been the equivalent step taken with the superconducting junction counterparts.

This project will suit a student with a strong background in condensed matter physics or materials physics and excellent experimental skills. A successful student will gain experience in thin film deposition techniques, micro and nanoscale device fabrication, low temperature measurements in addition to a deep knowledge of the rapidly growing field of superconducting spintronics.

1. Satchell, N. et al. Spin-valve Josephson junctions with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy for cryogenic memory. Appl. Phys. Lett. 116, 022601 (2020).

2. Bell, C., Burnell, G., Leung, C.-W., Tarte, E. J. & Blamire, M. G. Spin Valve Josephson Junctions. IEEE Trans. Appiled Supercond. 15, 908–911 (2005).

3. Baek, B., Rippard, W. H., Benz, S. P., Russek, S. E. & Dresselhaus, P. D. Hybrid superconducting-magnetic memory device using competing order parameters. Nat. Commun. 5, 3888 (2014).

To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the University website. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN.

• For Application type please select Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate.

• The admission year for this project is 2027/28 Academic Year.

• You will need to select your Planned Course of Study from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select PHP Physics & Astronomy Full Time.

• The project start date for this project is 1 October 2027, please use this as your Proposed Start Date of Research.

• Please state clearly in the Research Information Section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Electrically Switchable Ferromagnetic Josephson Junctions as well as Professor Gavin Burnell as your proposed supervisor .

Please state clearly in the Finance section, the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored.

More information on how to apply is available on our website here. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.

We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.

If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:

Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme

Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).

As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.

You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our Postgraduate Research Opportunities website.

Important: Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source.

For further information about your application, inclusing how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by emailing phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk

For further information about this project, please contact Professor Gavin Burnell by emailing G.Burnell@leeds.ac.uk

• Type of research degree: PhD
• Application deadline: Monday 31 May 2027
• Project start date: Friday 1 October 2027
• Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
• Funding: Non-funded
• Supervisors: Professor Gavin Burnell
• Schools: School of Physics and Astronomy
• Research groups/institutes: Condensed Matter

Research areas