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journal article·2026-02-01Open access

Enhancing the emission from trilayer spintronic terahertz emitters by Cu alloying

C. Bull, R. Ji, T. A. Gething, B. F. Spencer, T. Thomson, D. M. Graham, P. W. Nutter

AIP Advances· Volume 16· Issue 2
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Source abstract

Abstract

Recent interest in spintonic terahertz (THz) emitters has been driven by their simplicity, low cost and ability to generate high electric field amplitudes over a broad, gapless spectral bandwidth. Here we report on strategies to optimize the amplitude of THz electric fields from spintronic emitters. Specifically, we explore the effect of Cu alloying on the emission from trilayer, W/CoFeB/Pt, emitters. By introducing Cu into both the W and Pt layers we show a significant increase in emission of ∼27% compared to a trilayer without Cu, and an increase of ∼61% compared to a CoFeB/Pt bilayer emitter. These results demonstrate significant potential for improved THz emission by optimizing the metallic layer via alloying with Cu.
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Research context

Metals & alloys

OpenAlex topics: Magnetic properties of thin films · Terahertz technology and applications · Superconducting and THz Device Technology

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Physics and Astronomy & Photon Science Institute, The University of Manchester 1 , Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL,

Nano Engineering and Spintronic Technologies Group, Department of Computer Science, The University of Manchester 2 , Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL,

Department of Materials and Photon Science Institute, The University of Manchester 3 , Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL,

The Cockcroft Institute, Sci-Tech Daresbury 4 , Keckwick Lane, Daresbury, Warrington WA4 4AD,

Funding

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council · China Scholarship Council

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