Variation of the multiferroic temperature in FeVO 4 with transition metal doping.

Transition metal substitution in multiferroic FeVO4

Gavin Lawes, Wayne State University, DMR 0644823

Clarifying the microscopic mechanisms responsible for the magnetoelectric interactions in Type II multiferroics remains an active area of research. Selective substitutional doping of the magnetic ions can provide a method of adjusting these interactions.

We have investigated the effects of replacing the magnetic Fe ions in FeVO4 with non-magnetic Zn, together with magnetic Cr and Mn dopants. The multiferroic transition temperature is remarkably stable against this doping. This offers the potential for exploring how the magnetoelectric coupling in this system evolves over a very large range of compositions.

Variation of the multiferroic temperature in FeVO4 with transition metal doping.

Transition metal substitution in multiferroic FeVO4

Gavin Lawes, Wayne State University, DMR 0644823

Notable broader impact activities for the past academic year include:

1.Technical presentation on nanotechnology at the Dearborn Center for Math, Science, and Technology in June 2012.

2.Supervised two high school student, Anna Brink and Katy Frank, working on magnetic studies of thin films and nanoparticles.

3. Preliminary organizational work done as Chair of the Ohio Section APS Fall Meeting, to be held at Wayne State University in October 2012.

Katy Frank (L) and Anna Brink (R) preparing a sample of magnetic nanoparticle for measurements in a vibrating sample magnetometer.