INT 9722777 Beyerman This U.S.-Czech research project between Ward Beyerman of the University of California-Riverside and Vladimir Sechovsky of Charles University, Prague, will examine magnetic, thermal, transport, and cohesive properties of strongly correlated electron systems under: 1) multi-extreme conditions of very low temperatures, 2) very high magnetic fields, and 3) high pressures. The experimental data obtained will be compared to theoretical ab initio electron structure calculations which account for specific features of the electron structure and material parameters. The researchers intend to concentrate on the influence of various external parameters in selected 4f- and 5f- narrow-band intermetallic compounds. Results are expected to contribute to our understanding of a complex hierarchy of interactions and their role in different phenomena including: heavy fermion behavior, valance mixing, non-Fermi liquid scaling, weak magnetic order, band metamagnetism, huge anisotropy and giant magnetoresistance. Such new knowledge may permit the design of novel materials useful in catalysis and refrigeration. This project in materials research fulfills the program objectives of advancing basic scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Central Europe to combine complementary talents and pool research resources in areas of mutual interest and competence. ??
