Home 9 MEET THE FELLOWS 9 Harikrishnan Satheesh

Harikrishnan Satheesh

Project

Optimisation of LSMO based magnetoresistive sensors for ultimate sensing

Host institution

Centre national de la recherche scientifique-CNRS-GREYC (France)

PI

Dr. Laurence Mechin / Prof. Stéphane Flament

INTERVIEW

Can you describe your educational and professional background?

I pursued my Bachelor of Science in Physics at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, followed by a Master of Science in Physics at Lovely Professional University, where I focused on materials science and analytical research. To specialize in nanotechnology, I moved to France for an M2 in Nanoscale Science and Engineering at Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III under the NanoX program. During this degree, I gained significant practical experience in clean-room processes and nanofabrication at the INSA AIME facility and completed a six-month research internship at CEMES-CNRS in Toulouse, focusing on the micro-nanofabrication of multifunctional devices for in operando applications.

What prompted you to apply as a doctoral candidate within the Doctoral Network?

I chose to apply for this position because it represents the perfect intersection of my interests in microfabrication, physics, and electronics, while offering the opportunity to work on technology that directly benefits society. I have always been driven to conduct research that has a tangible, real-world impact, and the NeuroNanotech project provides exactly that by applying nanotechnology to solve complex challenges in neuroscience. Furthermore, being part of a Marie Curie doctoral network is highly significant to me; the program’s prestigious reputation and its emphasis on international collaboration offer a unique environment to grow my career. The opportunity to work alongside leading experts and engage in secondments across Europe is a major motivation, as I believe this collaborative nature is essential for high-level scientific innovation.

What does your research consist on?

My research, titled “Optimization of LSMO-based magnetoresistive sensors for ultimate sensing,” focuses on the magnetic detection of neuronal activities in vitro. Based at the CNRS-GREYC laboratory, the work centers on developing low-field sensors using La₀.₇Sr₀.₃MnO₃ (LSMO) thin films, leveraging their significant Anisotropic Magnetoresistive (AMR) effect and exceptionally low electrical noise. The project involves optimizing the sensor geometry and high-precision electronic conditioning systems to capture minute signals. Additionally, the scope includes ensuring biocompatibility between the sensors and the biological cells through the integration of specialized polymeric surfaces. Ultimately, the objective is to validate a complete platform capable of the real-time magnetic detection of neuronal activities.

More information on NeuroNanotech

This Programme is supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks. Grant agreement ID: 101169352.