Environment induced electron structure changes leading to novel magnetic phases

The project is based on the coordinated effort in technology, experiments, analysis of theoretical models and calculations of electronic structure. The main objective is to identify and to describe the environment induced electron structure modifications resulting in new magnetic and structural phases with functional magnetic, transport and structural properties. A concerted effort will be targeted on a study of selected intermetallic compounds and the Heusler alloys with the rare-earth elements exhibiting mixed-valence states. Materials with carefully designed composition, crystal structure and intrinsic properties, prepared using contemporary methods of cleaning metals and crystal growth will be studied. Complementary macroscopic and microscopic experiments will be performed for a wide range of sample environments, at low temperatures, high magnetic fields, high pressures and uniaxial compression. Students will participate in the project. Results of the experimental and the theoretical studies will be presented on international conferences and published in prestigious journals.