Objectives

The main objectives of this project proposal are to relate the macroscopic properties with the structure and physical phenomena on micron and nanometric scale in new multifunctional inorganic materials. In particular, new knowledge will be acquired related to the preparation and the characterization of the structural, magnetic, magneto-electric and microwave properties of novel structures based on single-domain magneto-electrics of the class of hexaferrites (Ba(Sr)MexFe12-xO19, Ba(Sr)2Me2Fe12O22 and Sr3Me2Fe24O41, where Me = Mg, Zn, Ti, Al, Cu, Co)) and deficient perovskites (Pb, Ba (Sr)2Fe2-xMexO5, where Me = Co, Mn, Cr), as well as on combinations thereof. Studies are also envisaged of phase transitions by following temperature or pressure driven changes in the short and long-range order in order to elucidate the interplay between local structural distortions and global magnetoelectric properties. The correlation will be found between the structural particularities and the magnetic, electric and microwave properties of the structures prepared.