Optimization of spin-orbit magnetic-state readout in metallic nanodevices

Resumen

This thesis presents the first steps of the optimization of the magnetic-state readout component for the envisioned magneto-electric spin-orbit (MESO) logic device. We established that (i) reducing the device dimension of ferromagnetic materials/ strong spin-orbit coupling non-magnetic materials nanostructured devices leads to an enhancement of the output signals; (ii) spurious effects in the device due to the local configuration can be avoided by proper design of the ferromagnetic and spin-orbit coupling material electrodes; (iii) interface properties and interfacial spin-charge interconversion have to be carefully considered when studying spin transport in metallic devices and such interface might be applicable for the MESO-logic devices. Even tough, we did not achieve the required values for the realization of cascaded gates with MESO devices, we did find a guideline for further improvement of the output signals. Besides the independent scaling laws for voltage and charge output signals, the use of other materials systems with large spin-charge interconversion efficiency and high resistivities seems to be promising for enhanced output signal. Further experiments are required to demonstrate the use of our device as a current source for driving spin logic circuits, but we anticipate that a MESO-logic device is feasible.