9703732 Schiffer This award provides partial support for a SQUID magnetometer to be located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, where no equivalent device currently exists. Such a magnetometer can measure the magnetization of samples as a function of temperature and magnetic field. The proposed instrument is extremely sensitive and therefore is appropriate for measuring both bulk and thin film samples. Its operation is almost completely computer-controlled, so that it is capable of a high throughput of samples, and the operating costs are rather low. Several research groups at Notre Dame and one at Western Michigan University will be the primary users of this magnetometer. In each case, the measurement capabilities of the magnetometer will greatly enhance currently existing research and make new experiments possible. The research areas are quite diverse, including: Intermetallic cluster compounds, high temperature superconductivity, metalloporphyrim chemistry, colossal magnetoresistance materials, geometrically frustrated magnets, and diluted magnetic semiconductors (including thin films and superlattices). This instrument will truly be used in an interdisciplinary fashion since the above research involves groups in three different departments. Several other research groups on the Notre Dame campus also have occasional use for such a magnetometer and will be given access. %%% This award provides partial support for a SQUID magnetometer to be located on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, where no equivalent device currently exists. Such a magnetometer can measure the magnetization of samples as a function of temperature and magnetic field. The proposed instrument is extremely sensitive and therefore is appropriate for measuring both bulk and thin film samples. Its operation is almost completely computer-controlled, so that it is capable of a high throughput of samples, and the operating costs are rather low. Several research gr oups at Notre Dame and one at Western Michigan University will be the primary users of this magnetometer. In each case, the measurement capabilities of the magnetometer will greatly enhance currently existing research and make new experiments possible. The research areas are quite diverse, including: Intermetallic cluster compounds, high temperature superconductivity, metalloporphyrim chemistry, colossal magnetoresistance materials, geometrically frustrated magnets, and diluted magnetic semiconductors (including thin films and superlattices). This instrument will truly be used in an interdisciplinary fashion since the above research involves groups in three different departments. Several other research groups on the Notre Dame campus also have occasional use for such a magnetometer and will be given access. ***
