Spin3D: Three-Dimensional Magnetic Systems

Spin3D: Three-Dimensional Magnetic Systems

When magnets are brought to the third dimension, they provide a rich playground for fundamental physics. The higher degrees of freedom available in 3D – and the new topologies and geometries that it makes possible – combine to produce many new effects, including exotic dynamic behaviours, and topological textures that occur on length scales of the order of nanometres.

In our group we study three-dimensional magnetic systems experimentally across a range of length scales, from the micrometre-sized systems (where topological structures analogous to everyday objects are observed) – to the nanoscale where, by patterning the magnetic materials in 3D, we can control their properties.

The experimental study of these systems is challenging: up until very recently, the techniques available to investigate magnetic materials were limited to flat surfaces or films, and it was not possible to see inside – or indeed make – a 3D magnetic system. As a result, much of our work in the past few years has involved the development of state-of-the-art techniques with which we can fabricate and visualise the magnetisation in three-dimensions. Now, armed with these experimental capabilities, we focus on studying the physics of 3D magnetic systems, while continuously advancing our experimental techniques.

The group is independent from the other departments within the Max Planck Institute, but works in strong collaboration with them.

If you are interested in working with us, or finding out more about the topic, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Please see here for a list of relevant publications

News from the Spin3D group

Rikako Yamamoto, Fellowship Spin3D, 2025

Congratulations to Rikako Yamamoto, who has been awarded an Overseas Research Fellowships by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) in the Spin3D group! more

Spin3D, Donnelly, Nature 636, 354–360 (2024)

The macroscopic properties of a material are determined by its composition and microstructure. Researchers have developed a new technique to map three-dimensional nanoscale orientation fields across the volume of materials, opening the possibility to understand the evolution of nanoscale variations in microstructure and ferroic order within a wide variety of materials. more

Congratulations! Andreas defends his PhD :)

Andreas Apseros successfully defended his PhD - involving work with the Spin3D group under the co-supervision of Claire - at ETH Zurich.   more

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