Course Objectives

The course provides undergraduate students with early exposure to advanced experimental techniques in materials science, particularly in magnetism. It integrates theoretical concepts from solid-state physics with hands-on laboratory training in material fabrication and characterization, enabling students to develop a practical understanding of the connection between theory and experiment.

Course Overview

To introduce the fundamental principles of modern experimental techniques.
To provide hands-on experience in the fabrication of metallic thin films and nanostructures.
To study structural properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic force microscope (AFM), and Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM).
To investigate magnetic properties using Magneto optical Kerr effect microscope (MOKE).
To explore magnetization dynamics using Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) techniques.

Course Structure

Sample Fabrication
Training in thin-film deposition using direct current/radio frequency (DC/RF) sputtering, Fabrication of metallic magnetic thin films (Co, Ni, Fe), Understanding the influence of growth parameters on material properties.
Introduction to electrochemical deposition for grow nano structures such as nanowires, Optimize the growth parameters for Electrodeposition techniques
Structural Characterization
Use XRD to atomic structure of the thin film and nanostructure.
Calculate the crystal size estimation using the Scherrer formula.
Surface morphology, thickness and roughness analysis using FESEM and AFM.
Correlation between fabrication conditions and structural properties.
Magnetic Characterization
Measurement of magnetic hysteresis (M–H loops) using MOKE.
Determination of coercivity (Hc) and remanence (Mr).
Study of magnetization dynamics in the GHz frequency range using FMR.
Estimation of the Gilbert damping parameter.