The group's research focuses on the area created 20 years ago when giant magnetoresistance in magnetic multilayers was discovered.

Our research is a continuation of theoretical work begun by Dr Robert Stamps on the general problem of magnetic excitations and electronic properties of exchange coupled multilayers.

Because of this long history of active participation in the field, the group today has strong collaborative links with many of the leading researchers in this field.

Please feel free to contact one of the core group members for information about potential Honours and PhD research projects. A number of vacation scholarships are also offered each year.

Recent group publications may be viewed by clicking on the core member links to the right.

Current research topics

Linear and nonlinear spinwaves in confined geometries.

The experimental and theoretical study of magnetic excitations in magnetic materials.

The materials are patterned (or self-organised) assemblies of elements with micro- and nanometre dimensions. Some of these structures support dynamical solitons and have applications to magnetic logic, microwave signal processing devices, and spin electronic devices.

One application for them is in magnetic logic schemes.

Interface physics of polarisable materials.

This involves experimental, theoretical and computational studies of ferroelectric, magnetic and multiferroic materials, elements and heterostructures.

A central problem is how magneto-electric coupling can occur. Applications exist for spin electronic devices and data storage.

Domain wall dynamics and conduction spin transport.

This is a theoretical, computational and experimental study of magnetic and ferroelectric domain walls in wires and two-dimensional layers. Experiments are done both here at UWA and through collaborations with other groups.

Beyond direct applications for next-generation data storage and data processing devices, we also examine model systems for fundamental investigations of transport and dynamics in complex systems: diffusion of phase boundary walls, diffusion of spin waves, and spin-dependent quantum transport of electrons.

Scattering theory for magnetic structures.

This involves calculating scattering cross-sections from ferro- and antiferromagnetic films and heterostructures patterned into micro- and nanometre structures. Experiments are done through collaborations with other groups.

This work provides analysis tools for a variety of investigations into fundamental issues in low-dimensional and interface magnetism.

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