Thin Film Magnetism Group

Thin Film Magnetism Group (TFM)

The Thin Film Magnetism (TFM) group at Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge University is led by Dr. Crispin Barnes. Currently, it comprises of 5 post-doctoral researchers, 2 visiting researchers and more than 12 PhD students. The group was initially set-up and led by Prof. J. A. C. Bland for two decades.

The investigation into the fundamentals of thin film magnetism and nanoscale magnetic devices are of paramount importance. Bio-magnetic sensing, magnetic tags, spintronics and information storage are just some of the few applications that are already making a huge impact on our daily lives. Nanomagnetism is a fast growing research area in the industry and academics alike.

TFM is at the forefront of ultrathin magnetic films and magnetic nanostructures research. The group is investigating novel magnetic properties and spin-polarized electron transport phenomena in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown and RFDC sputtered magnetic structures. The group is also exploring the fundamental electron spin-dependent transport processes which underpin the emerging field of spintronics and is a pioneer in the development of nanomagnetism for biomedical applications. For more information about our projects, please click here.

The group is well equipped to characterise and fabcricate nanomagnetic structures. We can fabricate magnetic materials using ultra-high vacuum (UHV) multiple technique chamber, electro-chemical deposition, MBE, etc. We also have characterisation tools such as SQUID, low-temperature MOKE, spin detector chamber, etc. For more information about our facilities and tools please click here.

The group organises weekly meetings on various subjects such as nano-structures, bio-magnetics and fabrication techniques. Besides all the hard work, researching in TFM group can be as much fun as there are challenges. We organise yearly punting trips along the River Cam and have BBQ sessions for almost any occasion that we can think of. We welcome any prospective students or researchers to contact the group concerning research in nano-magnetism.

Contact details
Dr. Crispin Barnes
Head of Thin Film Magnetism Group
Cavendish Laboratory
University of Cambridge
Cambridge CB3 0HE

Fax: +44-(0)1223-350266
Secretary Phone: +44-(0)1223-337336
Reception Phone: +44-(0)1223-337200