Since joining Dr. Kawakami’s group in the fall of 2014, my work has focused on optical studies spin dynamics and magnetism in 2D materials and multilayer devices. Primarily I utilize the magneto-optic Kerr effect which makes is possible to measure the local spin polarization in a material by the refection of polarized light. With magnetic multilayer devices, I use this effect directly to study current induced magnetization reorientation caused by spin orbit interaction driven spin torques.
For 2D semiconductor studies, I use a different flavor of this measurement, time-resolved Kerr rotation (TRKR) which utilizes a pump pulse of light to excite spins in a material, followed by a time-delayed probe pulse which measures the residual spin polarization. Additionally, I utilize the techniques of differential reflectance and photoluminescence (PL) to help characterize our materials, as well as to study defect induced single photon emitters.
Outside of my lab work I enjoy relaxing with my wife and my dogs, working out, working on home projects, and judging men’s artistic gymnastics.
| Team | Michael Newburger