Arindam Samanta
Runner-Up
What encouraged you to submit your application to the 2023 Postgraduate Research Publication of the Year?
After winning the 2022 award, I felt a tremendous sense of achievement and recognition. It wasn’t just about the accolade, but the validation of countless hours spent in the lab, sometimes late into the night. This time, the motivation was even stronger because of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic while conducting the research. Overcoming those hurdles made this year’s research feel like a personal victory. Winning that award not only boosted my confidence but also highlighted the importance of my research in the scientific community. This motivated me to continue pushing the boundaries of my work carried out in the Micropower Devices and Nanomagnetics Group at Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork. Additionally, the unwavering support from my supervisor, Prof. Saibal Roy, and the fruitful collaboration with Dr Gianluca Gubbiotti inspired me to showcase our collective achievements once again.
What inspired you to choose the subject of your paper?
I’ve always been intrigued by the mysterious world of magnetism and how it can be harnessed for technology. The inspiration for choosing the subject of my paper came from my fascination with the magnetic properties of materials and their potential applications. The specific focus on spin waves in exchange spring nanoheterostructured films was driven by the need to understand and manipulate these properties for advanced technological applications. The collaboration with Dr Gianluca Gubbiotti, an expert in Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy, provided a unique opportunity to explore this area in depth and contribute valuable insights to the field.
What’s your paper about and how did you prepare for it? What role did research excellence play in your approach?
My paper investigates the magnetic properties of specially designed nanoheterostructured amorphous and nanocrystalline thin films made of cobalt phosphorus (CoP) fabricated following an in-situ electrodeposition process at room temperature. Essentially, we were exploring how these films behave at a nanometre level and what we can learn from their magnetic properties, particularly focusing on spin waves. To prepare for this work, I spent countless hours conducting experiments and collaborated with experts to perform advanced techniques like Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Research excellence was at the core of our approach, ensuring that our methods were rigorous, and our findings were robust. The support from my supervisor and collaborators was crucial in achieving high-quality results.
The selection for Research Publication of the Year is extremely competitive. What is your advice for those aspiring for nomination next year?
For those aiming for next year’s nomination, my advice is to stay passionate and patient in your research endeavours. Remember one thing, research is a rollercoaster with its highs and lows, but it’s the persistence that pays off. Build strong relationships with mentors and collaborators—they’re invaluable during tough times, especially in unprecedented situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. Even when it feels like the world is against you, remember that time and effort can turn things around. Patience, perseverance, and passion will guide you through challenging times and help you produce quality research. Remember, time will heal and improve everything—stay dedicated and turn challenges into opportunities to showcase your best work.
What is the single most significant support Tyndall has been able to offer you in achieving your research goals?
The most significant support Tyndall has provided is the collaborative environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities. The companionship and the encouragement from my colleagues, especially from Prof. Saibal Roy, made a huge difference. The assistance from Dr Brendan Sheehan in performing transmission electron microscopy was crucial. Those enabled me to overcome challenges and achieve high-quality research outcomes. Tyndall provided not just the technical resources but also a supportive community that helped me to push my boundaries and achieve my research goals. This combination of professional and personal support made all the difference.
Arindam Samanta, Gianluca Gubbiotti, and Saibal Roy, ‘Spin waves in exchange spring nanoheterostructured amorphous/nanocrystalline films’, Physical Review B 107, 214449.