SHPM Lab @ KIIT

As scientific research in India strives for the benefit of a broader section of society, progress in research and development continues to be faced with several challenges, crucially in terms of cost and availability of resources. The primary goal of the research projects to be carried out in India will be combining expertise and innovation with cost effective measures to facilitate cutting-edge research which will make a positive impact on the progress of science in the country and worldwide.

Magnetic characterization is important for both fundamental studies and technological applications. For instance, there is a growing interest in application of high-performance micro-magnets in several fields, such as bio-medical studies, micro-electromechanical systems etc. Scanning Hall probe microscopy (SHPM) is a popular non-invasive local magnetic characterization technique as it enables direct high-resolution quantitative mapping of magnetic field. SHPM has also been implemented at low temperatures and aided the development of our understanding of superconductivity.

I propose to set up a SHPM facility in collaboration with Dr. Klaus Hasselbach, Dr. Nora Dempsey, Prof. Roman Kramer (Institut Néel, Grenoble, France), and Prof. Alejandro Silhanek (University of Liège, Belgium). It is envisioned that a first setup will work in ambient conditions. The next step will be the development of a SHPM setup working at low temperatures, based on a closed cycle refrigerator (CCR), so as not to be limited by the availability of liquid helium. We will combine commercially available technology with specific requirements for SHPM and for samples of interest, as well as various optimized measurement parameters (e.g., large x-y scan range and z-range, fine scan resolution, high magnetic field resolution and range, optimum Hall sensor calibration etc.).

Additional measurement capabilities, e.g., transport measurements, can be integrated into the setup. Looking forward, effort will be put on other aspects, such as development of Hall probes for improved performance. Further, the tuning fork-based force detection technique can be extended to other scanning probe microscopy techniques. I would be primarily interested in the investigation of novel and emerging magnetic materials, superconductors and superconductor/ferromagnet hybrid structures, with focus towards systematic exploration of a range of issues in condensed matter physics, such as, Low Temperature behaviour of permanent magnets, vortex matter in superconductors, S/F hybrids, fluxonics etc.

Our work will complement and enrich the ongoing research at the host institute. Further, the very nature of the project implies opportunities for interdisciplinary research. In summary, I hope to work positively towards establishing a robust and versatile scanning Hall probe microscope facility, which I hope to gradually transform into a self-contained and independent laboratory, working in sync with other facilities at the host institute.

Funding

My project proposal submitted under the Early Career Research (ECR) Award scheme from Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has been recommended for funding for a duration of 3 years, with a budget of Rs 41 Lakh.