Academic Conference | 2025 IEEE Magnetics Society Joint Nanjing-Hong Kong Workshop on Spintronics

Written by: Mengxue Jiang, Wenlin Fan

Photography by: Yulun Zeng

(Fig. 0. Workshop participants in Nanjing)

【Introduction】

The “2025 IEEE Magnetics Society Joint Nanjing-Hong Kong Workshop on Spintronics”, jointly hosted by the IEEE Magnetics Society’s Nanjing and Hong Kong Chapters and organized by the School of Physics at Nanjing University, was successfully held in Nanjing from June 15th to 18th, 2025. This is the second time the School of Physics at Nanjing University has hosted this academic conference series since 2022 (for the last workshop, refer to https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/GcKnDyGNQUooa2m-DOcLYQ).

【Conference Overview】

The chairs of the workshop are Prof. Baigeng Wang (Nanjing University), Prof. Qiming Shao (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology), and Prof. Haifeng Ding (Nanjing University). The workshop focused on recent advances and challenges in the field of spintronics and attracted 16 young scholars and 28 graduate students from 13 research institutes. Over fifty participants attended in person, creating a vibrant atmosphere for discussion and networking.

【Opening Ceremony 】

(Fig. 1. Opening ceremony speech given by conference co-chair Prof. Haifeng Ding)

Prof. Haifeng Ding, Chairman of the IEEE Magnetics society, Nanjing Chapter and Executive Chairman of this conference, delivered the opening remarks, warmly welcoming the attending experts and young scholars. He introduced the development of IEEE’s Magnetics Society in China, encouraged participants to engage deeply in discussions and scientific communications, and wished the conference great success.

【Expert Oral Presentations】

Prof. Yizheng Wu from Fudan University introduced the direct imaging of antiferromagnetic (AFM) domains using the magneto-optical birefringence (MOB) effect. He highlighted the real-time capability and compatibility of this technique with external currents and magnetic fields, demonstrating current- and field-induced AFM domain reversals in Pt/CoO and Fe/CoO systems.

(Fig. 2. Prof. Yizheng Wu is introducing field-driven AFM domain switching)

Prof. Ding-Fu Shao from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, CAS, presented three different mechanisms of tunneling magnetoresistance in antiferromagnetic tunnel junctions (AFMTJs). He also revealed a mechanism for deterministic Néel vector switching in collinear antiferromagnets through asymmetric spin accumulation induced by electric currents.

(Fig. 3. Prof. Ding-Fu Shao is introducing three categories of magnets)

Prof. Sen Yang from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology discussed using NV centers in diamonds as quantum sensors with high spatial resolution and sensitivity for studying nonlinear magnetization behaviors, expanding the exploration methods for magnetic systems.

(Fig. 4. Prof. Sen Yang is introducing optically detected magnetic resonance)

Prof. Peng Li from the University of Science and Technology of China focused on quantum devices based on magnon-photon coupling in superconducting resonant cavities, which not only serve as precise magnetic phase detectors but also exhibit reservoir computing potential through their nonlinear dynamical response.

(Fig. 5. Prof. Peng Li is presenting high-fidelity magnon-photon coupling regimes)

Prof. Huaiyang Yuan from Zhejiang University demonstrated the coupling between surface spin waves and surface plasmons excited in ferromagnetic layer/graphene heterostructures. Terahertz spin waves in ferromagnetic layers were shown to excite graphene surface plasmons, with reflection minima used to quantify the inertial time scale within the magnetic layers.

(Fig. 6. Prof. Huaiyang Yuan is introducing hybrid magnonics)

Prof. Kaiming Cai from Huazhong University of Science and Technology reviewed methods for achieving field-free perpendicular magnetization switching via spin-orbit torque (SOT) including symmetry engineering, built-in fields, and out-of-plane spin approach. Moreover, he analyzed some key metrics of each solution, such as switching efficiency, speed, and reliability issue, as well as commercialization challenges.

(Fig. 7. Prof. Kaiming Cai is introducing application of eMRAM in industry)

Prof. Liang Liu from Shanghai Jiao Tong University demonstrated the effects of crystal symmetry on spin transport properties in epitaxial thin-film systems, including the nonlinear/in-plane Hall effect and spin-orbit torque generation. He also shared recent experimental achievements in nearly 100% field-free perpendicular magnetization switching.

(Fig. 8. Prof. Liang Liu is introducing materials with 3m crystal symmetry)

Dr. Man Yang from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) presented research on the anomalous spin Hall effect in perpendicularly magnetized Co/Pd multilayers, demonstrating efficient field-free switching of perpendicularly magnetized YIG thin films by combining anomalous and conventional spin Hall effects.

(Fig. 9. Dr. Man Yang is introducing the generation and application of spin current)

Prof. Bojun Cheng from HKUST (Guangzhou) proposed low-power and highly robust neuromorphic processors combining emerging nonvolatile memory and algorithms, and introduced an event-driven hardware framework enabling uncertainty-aware inference.

(Fig. 10. Prof. Bojun Cheng is presenting the advantage of emerging nonvolatile memory and algorithms)

Prof. Kezhou Yang from HKUST (Guangzhou) proposed a spiking neuron device based on inherent stochasticity of the spintronic devices, aiming to enhance the performance of neural networks utilizing spintronic devices.

(Fig. 11. Prof. Kezhou Yang is introducing the development of artificial intelligence systems)

Prof. Nujiang Tang from Nanjing University reported the coexistence of Akulov-Zener-Callen-Callen-type and Carr-type uniaxial magnetic anisotropies in two-dimensional Fe₃GeTe₂ systems, as well as the transition from former to latter at 20 K, revealing novel low-temperature magnetic behavior.

(Fig. 12. Prof. Nujiang Tang is introducing uiniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy)

Prof. Zhe Yuan from Fudan University theoretically and experimentally clarified the dominant contributions to Gilbert damping in Fe, revealing dissipation processes from spin to orbital to lattice degrees of freedom. Besides, he reported anisotropic Gilbert damping in two-dimensional van der Waals ferromagnets attributed to the symmetry of 2D lattice structure and the presence of topological electronic states.

(Fig. 13. Prof. Zhe Yuan is introducing magnetization dynamics and Gilbert damping)

Prof. Zheng Feng from China Academy of Engineering Physics introduced a new mechanism for terahertz emission induced by the anomalous Nernst effect due to ultrafast temperature gradients generated by femtosecond laser, which was quantified to be dominant within certain thickness ranges.

(Fig. 14. Prof. Zheng Feng is introducing terahertz waves)

Dr. Jun Cheng from Nanjing University demonstrated effective magnon current modulation by applying voltage pulses to the gate in YIG/ferroelectric heterostructures, and thus realized non-volatile magnonic field effect transistor devices at room temperature.

(Fig. 15. Dr. Jun Cheng is introducing development from electronics to spintronics)

Prof. Yan Zhou from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen) introduced frontier research in topological magnetic structures in novel material systems, addressing challenges in skyrmion-based devices and presenting concepts such as skyrmion-based racetrack memory and neuromorphic computing.

(Fig. 16. Prof. Yan Zhou is introducing the background of spintronics)

Prof. Fusheng Ma from Nanjing Normal University described linear magnetization dynamics in synthetic antiferromagnetic materials, and then presented the magnon-magnon coupling and associated nonlinear dynamic phenomena indifferent regimes.

(Fig. 17. Prof. Fusheng Ma is introducing the exchange interaction in synthetic antiferromagnet)

During the oral presentation session saw experts' reports with rich and diverse content, as well as the lively on-site discussions.

(Fig. 18. Lively discussions in question-and-answer session)

【Student Poster Session】

Students from various universities showcased research on altermagnet properties, spin-wave transport, 2D material preparation, field-free spin-orbit torque switching, and antiferromagnetic system designs. The poster session fostered dynamic interactions and valuable exchanges.

(Fig. 19. Teachers and students are lively discussing in the poster area)

【Closing Ceremony 】

Prof. Qiming Shao, Chairman of IEEE Magnetics society, Hong Kong Chapter and Executive Chairman of this conference, first thanked participants for their enthusiastic engagement. He introduced the IEEE honors aimed at young scholars, and encouraged active applications. Six students received Best Poster Awards, recognized for their excellent research and presentations. Appreciation was also extended to volunteers, Temp(Nanjing) industrial technology Co.Ltd, and all participants.

(Fig. 20. Closing ceremony speech given by conference co-chair Prof. Qiming Shao)

(Fig. 21. A group photo of the Best Poster Awards-winning students and experts)

This workshop provided an excellent platform for high-level spintronics research communications, significantly promoting inter-university cooperation and innovation while offering young scholars opportunities to showcase talents and broaden horizons.