MEP-TherSpinMol
MEP Project – van der Zant Lab
Exploring Thermoelectric and Spintronic properties of Molecular Devices
Introduction
Thermoelectric effects describe the conversion of temperature gradients into electrical voltages (Seebeck effect) or vice versa (Peltier effect). These effects are very important for future energy harvesting or efficient electrical cooling. Recently, the new field of spin caloritronics was discovered which focuses on the interaction of spins with heat currents. So far, these effects have only been observed in bulk materials while a down scaling to single molecule level has not been demonstrated yet.
Aim
You will study the thermoelectric response of a single molecule contacted by graphene nano-electrodes. A microheater and micro-thermocouples close to the junction will be used to create or measure temperature gradients along the device. This allows you to extract the Seebeck and Peltier coefficient of a single molecule. In a next step you will develop novel functional contacts which enable you to measure pure spin currents. By this means you get access to the spin-calorimetric properties of cross-conjugated molecules, fullerenes and single-molecule-magnets with the final goal to explore the spin-Seebeck effect in those systems. The project has fundamental and applicative significance, aiming at exploring novel ways to create pure spin-currents and their perspective applicability for the reduction of energy consumption in logic elements and energy harvesting.
Project details
- We are looking for a highly motivated master student to join the van der Zant lab, with a strong interest in mesoscopic physics and single-molecule electronics.
- You will acquire a broad range of skills in nanofabrication and characterization with state-of-the-art equipment at the Kavli NanoLab cleanroom.
- You will carry out electromigration experiments of graphene junctions and perform room-temperature and cryogenic (mK) electrical transport measurements under strong magnetic fields.
- This is a highly ambitious but rewarding project which will generate high impact publications.
Please contact Pascal Gehring (p.gehring@[TUD])