Magnetic sensors: from ultrathin film growth to sensor integration in unexpected systems
Magnetics Society
Location: DA442; and Zoom. Zoom link will be sent after registration.
Speaker: Susana Cardoso de Freitas, INESC MN and Instituto Superior Tecnico Lisboa
Magnetic field sensors have a mature and transversal level of implementation in the market, from automotive to biomedical domains. The impressive technological progress in thin film preparation and characterization, combined with nano-microfabrication tools offer presently large spectra for device design. The materials discussed include several varieties of thin film materials combined onto multilayer stacks. In addition, the noise mechanisms (the “killing factor” that limits the MR sensor performance) will be discussed, and I will show successful strategies for improving the signal-to-noise ratio, improving the ultimate field detectable by an MR sensor. Examples where spintronic sensors are useful tools for precision sensing will be provided, including integration with microfluidics, optical and MEMS micromachined actuators. During my talk, I will show how challenging applications have identified creative solutions, requiring joint skills in transversal areas as physics, materials, electronics and mechanical engineering.
Susana Cardoso de Freitas received the Ph.D. degree in Physics by the Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa in 2002 and since then is the leader of INESC-MN Spintronics and Magnetic Biosensors Group. She has extensive experience as principal researcher in collaborative projects developing advanced materials, sensors, and integrated systems. In 2018 she was selected as one of 100 Portuguese “Women in Science”. As an Associate Professor in the Physics Department, she is responsible for student coordination and advanced training in spintronics, microelectronics and microfabrication. She is a co-author of more than 300 articles, 25 book chapters and manages several technology-transfer contracts with industry worldwide related to MR sensors. She is a IEEE Distinguished Lecturer for 2023.