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Institute Quantum Phenomena in Novel Materials

Novel Oxides

Transition metal oxides are of great potential for technological applications since they show a wide range of extraordinary properties like multiferroic behavior, colossal magnetoresistance, and high-Tc superconductivity. The physics of these systems is governed by an intricate interplay of competing interactions among the charge, spin, and orbital degrees of freedom which may result in coexistence or competition of various types of ordered ground states. In order to map the hierarchy of these interactions the combined use of a broad range of experimental techniques is required, as exemplified by the quest for skyrmions. HZB houses a wide choice of x-ray based techniques that are ideally suited for the study of structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of materials. On the firm ground of state-of-the-art sample preparation and characterization we carry out neutron scattering, advanced photon spectroscopy, and resonant x-ray scattering experiments in extreme sample environments which provide combinations of very low temperatures, extremely high magnetic fields, high pressures and other external stimuli. Understanding the response of the investigated materials to variation of any external parameter is the great challenge in the study of multifunctional oxides.

In the following we present a few examples of research carried out within the last few years.

For a full list of publications of our research group click here.


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These samples with precise proportions of nickel and copper were produced via an improved preparation procedure. Photo: M. Tovar/HZB


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Crystal structure of La2Ni1.19Os0.81O6


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Network of distorted corner-sharing VO6 octahedra in the monoclinic structure (P21/b) of PrVO3 at 15 K.


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Hexagonal single crystal of SrCo6O11, with a sample diameter of approximately 0,2 millimetres.