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Public engagement resources for the Monday April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse
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Scientific Image - Nanoscale Interface for Spin Injection

Magnified image of nanoscale Interface for spin injection using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

DESCRIPTION

This is a scanning electron micrograph of a nanoscale interface for spin injection in a nanomechanical torsion oscillator used for measuring tiny amounts of torque. This interface is built on a silicon-based nanomechanical torsion oscillator, a device used to measure tiny amounts of torque. The device contains a central wire running from top left to bottom right. The top surface of one part of this wire is coated with a 50 nm layer of cobalt (which is magnetic); the top surface of the other part is coated with 50 nm of non-magnetic gold. As electrons travel from the magnetic into the non-magnetic part of the nanowire, they flip their spin directions, causing mechanical twisting of the wire. • SIZE: The diameter of the nanowire at center is about 100 nm. • IMAGING TOOL: Scanning electron microscope

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DESCRIPTION

This is a scanning electron micrograph of a nanoscale interface for spin injection in a nanomechanical torsion oscillator used for measuring tiny amounts of torque. This interface is built on a silicon-based nanomechanical torsion oscillator, a device used to measure tiny amounts of torque. The device contains a central wire running from top left to bottom right. The top surface of one part of this wire is coated with a 50 nm layer of cobalt (which is magnetic); the top surface of the other part is coated with 50 nm of non-magnetic gold. As electrons travel from the magnetic into the non-magnetic part of the nanowire, they flip their spin directions, causing mechanical twisting of the wire. • SIZE: The diameter of the nanowire at center is about 100 nm. • IMAGING TOOL: Scanning electron microscope

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OBJECTIVES

NANO CONTENT MAP

Nanometer-sized things are very small, and often behave differently than larger things do.

Nanoscience, nanotechnology, and nanoengineering lead to new knowledge and innovations that weren't possible before.

Credits

YEAR CREATED
2014
OWNING INSTITUTION

Raj Mohanty, Boston University - Attribution is required. The creator listed here has made this image available to NISE Network partners for non-profit educational use only. Uses may include but are not limited to reproduction and distribution of copies, creation of derivative works, and combination with other assets to create exhibitions, programs, publications, research, and websites.

PERMISSIONS

The creator listed above has made this image available to NISE Network partners for non-profit educational use only. Uses may include but are not limited to reproduction and distribution of copies, creation of derivative works, and combination with other assets to create exhibitions, programs, publications, research, and websites.