The unconventional nature of superconductivity in the heavy electron superconductors (UPt3, URu2Si2, UPd2A13 etc.) will be explored via ultrasound, magnetic and electromagnetic measurements. The dependence of the phase diagrams in these superconductors on uniaxial strain, magnetic field and impurities will be mapped using ultrasonics. The results will be compared with predictions of Ginzburg Landau theories to place constraints on the multicomponent order parameters. Vortex states in these multiple phases will be studied using low temperature scanning microscopy techniques. Initial experiments will be carried out with a magnetic force microscope which we have partially developed. Finally, we propose to study the novel response of these superconductors to electromagnetic waves. The unusual frequency dependence to arise in these superconductors will be studied up to frequencies of 2GHz. %%% Heavy-fermion materials show extraordinary electronic properties, some exhibit superconductivity. Measurements on thin films should give valuable insights into the behavior of these highly unusual materials.
