9709351 Ibers This project aims at the synthesis, characterization, and study of physical properties of solid-state metal chalcogenides, which are a class of materials that contain sulfur, selenium or tellurium. Among areas to be investigated are (a) ternary and quaternary chalcogenides of the Group IV metals; (b) quaternary rare-earth chalcogenides; (c) structural distortions exhibited by these materials, and the corresponding band-structure calculations; (d) chalcogenides of rhenium. Characterization of the new materials will include structure determinations by single- crystal X-ray methods and the measurement of transport properties, especially electrical conductivity and magnetic susceptibility. %%% Since it is felt that the chalcogenides may provide a rich source of novel materials, it is important to expand the synthesis of these compounds as a possible source of technologically relevant new materials with predictable chemistry, structure and property/structure relationships. The ultimate goal is to provide through the integration of research and education students as future scientists and engineers able to provide novel classes of solid-state materials that exhibit semiconductor, insulator, or magnetic properties. ***
