We propose to develop a
new class of materials providing strong magneto-optical
phenomena (such as strong Kerr or Faraday effect).
Such material properties are
required for many unique optical applications, such as magneto-optical
isolators, optical switches or true half-mirrors.
The design of novel materials is based on:
- a combined theoretical approach (ab-initio calculations),
- materials synthesis (in both bulk and thin-film form),
- followed by a careful characterization (structure, magnetic properties, electronic structure, optical
and magneto-optical characterization).
Three different investigation directions based on intrinsic material properties will be undertaken, namely,
(i) Heusler compounds with strong spin-orbit interaction, large exchange coupling and their
hybridization,
(ii) influence of the half-metallicity and
(iii) promotion of magneto-optical phenomena in f-based materials in tetragonal structure
(itinerant f-electrons or f mixed-valence systems).
