ABSTRACT

The aim of the project consists in a complex approaching of the correlation existing between structure, composition and thermodynamic, electrical and magnetical properties of new micro and nanostructured oxide materials presenting a “colossal magnetoresistance” (CMR). The special interest devoted to these materials lies in their special magnetoresistive characteristics. They exhibit extremely large changes in electrical resistance in response to applied magnetic field, a property that is of technological relevance for the development of magnetic memory, sensors and switching devices, as well as complex applications in spintronics, heterostructure devices, optoelectronics. Despite the amount of research being conducted in this area, the CMR phenomenon and, especially the relation between composition, structure and properties are still poorly understood. As an interdisciplinar project, the experience, human resources and infrustructures of partners from five prestigious institutions with a long and extensive experience in materials research are used. So, the project aims:-to identify new CMR micro and nanostructured transition metals oxides; -to prepare by inovative methods and to systemathically characterize new CMR materials starting from a complex approach of their thermodynamic, electrical and magnetic properties; -to understand the correlation composition/structure/properties in the view of new routes to control the change of the CMR effect; -to find new selection criteria for these materials and new techniques for the modeling of properties in the view of specific applications. The project’s domain has a real interest for both fundamental and applied research reasons.