This work presents the development of a GaN-based dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) that is ferromagnetic at room temperature (RT), electrically conductive, and possesses magnetic properties that can be tuned by n- and p-doping. The transition metal series (TM: Cr, Mn, and Fe) along with the rare earth (RE) element, Gd, was investigated in this work as the magnetic ion source for the DMS. Single- phase and strain-free GaTMN films were obtained. Optical measurements revealed that Mn is a deep acceptor in GaN, while Hall measurements showed that these GaTMN films were semi-insulating, making carrier mediated exchange unlikely. Hysteresis curves were obtained for all the GaTMN films, and by analyzing the effect of n- and p-dopants on the magnetic properties of these films it was determined that the magnetization is due to magnetic clusters. These findings are supported by the investigation of the effect of TM dopants in GaN nanostructures which reveal that TMs enhance nucleation resulting in superparamagnetic nanostructures. Additionally, this work presents the first report on the development of GaGdN by MOCVD providing an alternate route to developing a RT DMS. Room temperature magnetization results revealed that the magnetization strength increases with Gd concentration and can be enhanced by n- and p-doping, with holes being more efficient at stabilizing the ferromagnetic signal. The GaGdN films obtained in this work are single-phase, unstrained, and conductive making them suitable for the development of multifunctional devices that integrate electrical, optical, and magnetic properties.

Mesoscopic effects in ferromagnets could be different from mesoscopic effects in normal metals. While normal metals with a short mean-free-path do not exhibit classical magnetoresistance, weakly disordered ferromagnets with a similar mean-free-path display magnetoresistance including domain wall resistance (DWR) and anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR). Magnetoresistance could lead to novel mesoscopic effects because the wave function phase depends on the scattering potential. In this thesis, we present our measurements of mesoscopic resistance fluctuations in cobalt nanoparticles and study how the fluctuations with bias voltage, bias fingerprints, respond to magnetization-reversal processes. The resistance has been found to be very sensitive to the magnetic state of the sample. In particular, we observe significant wave-function phase shifts generated by domain walls, and it is explained by mistracking effect, where electron spins lag in orientation with respect to the moments inside the domain wall. Short dephasing length and dephasing time are found in our Co nanoparticles, which we attribute to the strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2008. / Description based on contents viewed May 30, 2008; title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references (p. 50-51).

A contact system driven by a high energetic Thomson actuator requires to be decelerated from full speed down to zero. The forces originated from the interaction between a stationary copper tube and a moving array of magnets combined with plastic or ferromagnetic material are used to generate eddy-current damping. Five different configurations of small but strong (N52) neodymium magnets and spacers were benchmarked for simple free-fall damping. A comparison between experimental results and simulations (using COMSOL) has shown that the most effective damping is reached by two consecutive permanent magnets with opposite magnetization directions ,separated by low-carbon content steel concentrators(SN - Fe concentrator- NS). The proposed damper design is the result of the balance between various parameters such as magnet orientation topology in the array, spacer material and its dimensions, copper tube thickness and the air gap between copper tube and array. Furthermore, the design was scaled up and an actuator-drive system was added to perform more realistic tests, which demonstrated the damping effectiveness on a fast moving armature actuated by a Thomson coil energized by a capacitor bank. All models in the simulation predicted the damping effect in advance. Investigations were conducted with two cases: (1) A solid copper rod was supposed to pass through the magnet array; (2) A plastic shaft was applied to support the magnet array. Finally a damping prototype with a plastic shaft was built for completing damping tests. The results of these tests validated the numerical model with a high degree of accuracy.

Nenhuma / Neste trabalho propõe-se uma nova metodologia para a análise do ruído magnético Barkhausen, as transformadas Wavelet., uma ferramenta de processamento de sinais que possibilita exibir o comportamento das freqüências e a quantidade de informações presentes em um determinado sinal. As transformadas Wavelet são utilizadas para a análise de sinais não estacionários, proporcionando uma representação tempo-frequência do sinal simultaneamente. Foram estudados três tipos de materiais ferromagnéticos, os aços ASTM A 515, USI SAC 50 e AISI 1045. A primeira fase dos estudos abordou a análise do ruído magnético Barkhausen para a avaliação de tensões mecânicas presentes nestes materiais. Os experimentos foram realizados utilizando-se as transformadas Wavelet contínua, Wavelet discreta e Wavelet Packet Entropia Wavelet e o método RMS convencional, sendo comparados os resultados obtidos pelos dois métodos. Verificou-se que a utilização da transformada Wavelet Packet Entropia Wavelet apresentou melhores resultados do que os obtidos pelo método RMS. Na segunda fase, os experimentos foram realizados de forma a verificar a possibilidade de emprego do método para a diferenciação das amostras estudadas. Os estudos foram realizados para valores de tensões mecânicas entre -30 MPa e 30 MPa e os resultados obtidos pelo método tradicional RMS e pelo método de Entropia Wavelet foram submetidos a uma análise estatística que possibilitou diferenciar, por intervalos de confiança de 95%, as amostras dos diferentes materiais. As principais conclusões deste trabalho é que a análise do ruído magnético Barkhausen utilizando a técnica de processamento de sinais pelo uso de Entropia Wavelet possibilita a diferenciação de amostras dos diferentes materiais ferromagnéticos estudados e apresenta sensibilidade para a detecção de variações de tensões numa faixa de tensões superior ao método tradicional RMS. Os resultados obtidos com o uso das transformadas Wavelet contínuas e das outras transformadas Wavelet discretas não apresentaram informações relevantes para estas aplicações. / In this study, a new methodology for Barkhausen noise analysis of ferromagnetic materials is proposed. This methodology is based on the use of the Wavelet transforms, a signal processing tool capable of providing the frequency content and he amount of information of a particular signal. The Wavelet transforms are used for non-stationary signals analysis and are capable of providing the time and frequency information simultaneously, hence giving a time-frequency representation of the signal. Three different ferromagnetic materials were investigated, the ASTM A 515, USI SAC 50 and AISI 1045 steels. The first part of the study was directed to the analysis of the magnetic Barkhausen noise for evaluation of the mechanical stresses present in these materials. The experiments were performed using the Continuous Wavelet Transforms, the Discrete Wavelet Transforms, the Wavelet Packet Transform Wavelet Entropy and the conventional RMS Method. The results obtained from these methods were compared. The results obtained from the use of the Wavelet Packet Transform Entropy Wavelet were more representative than those obtained from the use of the RMS method. In the second part of this study, the experiments were performed in order to verify the use of these methods to separate the materials studied. The experiments were performed in the stress range from 30 MPa to 30 MPa and the results obtained from the RMS Method and the Wavelet Packet Transforms Method Entropy Wavelet were submitted to a statistical analysis that allowed differentiating, with 95% on confidence interval, the samples of the materials studied. The mains conclusions obtained from this study are: the stress range where the Wavelet Packet Transforms - Entropy Wavelet Method presented sensitivity for stress changes in the materials studied was larger than the presented by the RMS Method and the use of this Wavelet Transforms was adequate to differentiate the materials used in this work. The results obtained from the Continuous Wavelet Transforms and the other Discrete Wavelet Transforms did not present relevant information for these applications.

Uma vasta gama de sensores são aplicados no mercado atual na busca pela melhoria de processos e produtos. Há um grande crescimento em novos sistemas que possam apresentar recursos que técnicas convencionais não apresentam. A busca por uma nova plataforma de sensoriamento surge a partir do interesse em identificar e controlar parâmetros ambientais isolados. Esta pesquisa em área incipiente no Brasil mostra o desenvolvimento de um sensor a partir de um material inteligente (smart material), que por definição, possui uma ou mais propriedades que podem sofrer mudanças significativas a partir de um estímulo externo. O presente trabalho é baseado na investigação de uma fita de material magnético amorfo, que ao exibir propriedades magnéticas e elásticas pelo efeito da magnetostricção, permite o monitoramento remoto de fenômenos físico-químicos do ambiente em que estiver exposta. O desenvolvimento deste sensor tem finalidade no monitoramento sem fio de solicitação mecânica, e alteração do tipo de fluido presente em um dado ambiente. O estudo e avaliação do sensor contou com técnicas de caracterização experimentais e de simulação. São apresentados sistemas e ensaios capazes verificar as ressonâncias do modo de vibração puro da amostra a partir de medidas ópticas e elétricas, quando submetidos a variação de fenômenos físicos. Os resultados indicam a dependência do efeito direto ao estímulo na ação externa do campo magnético em decorrências das características do material. Os resultados quantificados e qualificados na correlação entre os métodos utilizados, justificam a aplicação do smart material no sensoriamento de viscosidade e carregamento aplicado em ambientes isolados. Em consequência das discussões apresentadas para as curvas comportamentais na variação dos parâmetros físico-químico a plataforma de sensoriamento é validada. / New amorphous magnetic materials have magnetic and elastic properties which allows the identification and control of environmental parameters remotely. This work was based in the investigation of a magnetoelastic thin strip, widely used as anti-theft device. In this study it was discussed the employment of this material as a sensor capable identify an environmental change through magnetoelasticity. In order to characterize the strips it was employed several techniques, namely: finite element modeling of the vibrational modes, electromagnetic impedance and laser interferometry. It was presented an analysis of the displacement of the longitudinal modes. The knowledge of the vibration mode allowed the sensor electric characterization when subjected to environmental changes. According to the sample dimensions under magnetic field, test systems were developed in order to perform optic and electric measurements. A proper parameter adjustment of the power supply allowed the determination of the fundamental and higher order resonance frequencies. The magnetostrictive behaviour of the anti-theft strips is related to the Young modulus where the vibration frequency is inversely proportional to the length of the strip. Studies showed that the strip performance is also related to many other parameters, such as the mechanical and electromagnetic properties and the environment to which it is exposed. The strips here presented are largely employed as sensor for temperature, pressure, density, mas variation, viscosity and flux velocity mainly because their wireless capabilities. The data from the polarization field are a section of the knowledge required to better investigate the best performance of the sensor. The sensor characterization through several techniques applied in viscous media and under pressure raise some issues. However, the construction of some devices allowed the application of different values of viscosity and pressure upon the magnetized strip. This made the results interpretation less complex. The resonances were observed in the experimental data and mathematical modellin. Calibration curves were defined to make the results interpretation easier.Previously applied and studied techniques which cover the characterization and behaviour of the material provide valid justifications for the implementation of remote sensors made of amorphous metallic strips. The results presented here justify the application of the analysed amorphous strip as a viscosity and pressure sensor in isolated enviroments.

No description available.

This thesis is concerned with the study of two families of materials which contain magnetically frustrated triangular lattices. Each material is concerned with a different use; the first, analogues of YMnO₃, is from a family of materials called multiferroics, the second, A₂MCu₃F₁₂ (where A = Rb¹⁺, Cs¹⁺, M = Zr⁴⁺, Sn⁴⁺, Ti⁴⁺, Hf⁴⁺), are materials which are of interest due to their potentially unusual magnetic properties deriving from a highly frustrated Cu²⁺-based kagome lattice. YFeO₃, YbFeO₃ and InFeO₃ have been synthesised as their hexagonal polymorphs. YFeO₃ and YbFeO₃ have been studied in depth by neutron powder diffraction, A.C. impedance spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetometry. It was found that YFeO₃ and YbFeO₃ are structurally similar to hexagonal YMnO₃ but there is evidence for a subtle phase separation in each case. Low temperature magnetic properties are also reported, and subtle correlations between the structural, electrical and magnetic properties of these materials have been found. InFeO₃ was found to adopt a higher symmetry and is structurally similar to the high temperature phase of YMnO₃. TbInO₃ and DyInO₃ have also been synthesised and studied at various temperatures. The phase behaviour of TbInO₃ was analysed in detail using neutron powder diffraction and internal structural changes versus temperature were mapped out – there is also evidence for a subtle isosymmetric phase transition. Neither DyInO₃ nor TbInO₃ show long-range magnetic order between 2 and 300 K, or any signs of ferroelectricity at room temperature. The new compounds Cs₂TiCu₃F₁₂ and Rb₂TiCu₃F₁₂ have both been synthesised and shown to be novel kagome lattice based materials. The former shows a transition from rhombohedral to monoclinic symmetry in the powder form and from rhombohedral to a larger rhombohedral unit cell in the single crystal – a particle size based transition pathway is suggested. For Rb₂TiCu₃F₁₂ a complex triclinic unit cell is found, which distorts with lowering temperature. Both materials show magnetic transitions with lowering temperature. The solid solution Cs₂₋ₓRbₓSnCu₃F₁₂ (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0) was synthesised and investigated crystallographically, demonstrating a range of behaviours. Rb₂SnCu₃F₁₂ displays a rare re-entrant structural phase transition. In contrast, Cs₀.₅Rb₁.₅SnCu₃F₁₂ shows only the first transition found in the Rb⁺ end member. CsRbSnCu₃F₁₂ adopts a lower symmetry at both room temperature and below. Cs₁.₅Rb₀.₅SnCu₃F₁₂ and Cs₂SnCu₃F₁₂ show a rhombohedral - monoclinic transition, which is similar to that found in Cs₂TiCu₃F₁₂.

Uma vasta gama de sensores são aplicados no mercado atual na busca pela melhoria de processos e produtos. Há um grande crescimento em novos sistemas que possam apresentar recursos que técnicas convencionais não apresentam. A busca por uma nova plataforma de sensoriamento surge a partir do interesse em identificar e controlar parâmetros ambientais isolados. Esta pesquisa em área incipiente no Brasil mostra o desenvolvimento de um sensor a partir de um material inteligente (smart material), que por definição, possui uma ou mais propriedades que podem sofrer mudanças significativas a partir de um estímulo externo. O presente trabalho é baseado na investigação de uma fita de material magnético amorfo, que ao exibir propriedades magnéticas e elásticas pelo efeito da magnetostricção, permite o monitoramento remoto de fenômenos físico-químicos do ambiente em que estiver exposta. O desenvolvimento deste sensor tem finalidade no monitoramento sem fio de solicitação mecânica, e alteração do tipo de fluido presente em um dado ambiente. O estudo e avaliação do sensor contou com técnicas de caracterização experimentais e de simulação. São apresentados sistemas e ensaios capazes verificar as ressonâncias do modo de vibração puro da amostra a partir de medidas ópticas e elétricas, quando submetidos a variação de fenômenos físicos. Os resultados indicam a dependência do efeito direto ao estímulo na ação externa do campo magnético em decorrências das características do material. Os resultados quantificados e qualificados na correlação entre os métodos utilizados, justificam a aplicação do smart material no sensoriamento de viscosidade e carregamento aplicado em ambientes isolados. Em consequência das discussões apresentadas para as curvas comportamentais na variação dos parâmetros físico-químico a plataforma de sensoriamento é validada. / New amorphous magnetic materials have magnetic and elastic properties which allows the identification and control of environmental parameters remotely. This work was based in the investigation of a magnetoelastic thin strip, widely used as anti-theft device. In this study it was discussed the employment of this material as a sensor capable identify an environmental change through magnetoelasticity. In order to characterize the strips it was employed several techniques, namely: finite element modeling of the vibrational modes, electromagnetic impedance and laser interferometry. It was presented an analysis of the displacement of the longitudinal modes. The knowledge of the vibration mode allowed the sensor electric characterization when subjected to environmental changes. According to the sample dimensions under magnetic field, test systems were developed in order to perform optic and electric measurements. A proper parameter adjustment of the power supply allowed the determination of the fundamental and higher order resonance frequencies. The magnetostrictive behaviour of the anti-theft strips is related to the Young modulus where the vibration frequency is inversely proportional to the length of the strip. Studies showed that the strip performance is also related to many other parameters, such as the mechanical and electromagnetic properties and the environment to which it is exposed. The strips here presented are largely employed as sensor for temperature, pressure, density, mas variation, viscosity and flux velocity mainly because their wireless capabilities. The data from the polarization field are a section of the knowledge required to better investigate the best performance of the sensor. The sensor characterization through several techniques applied in viscous media and under pressure raise some issues. However, the construction of some devices allowed the application of different values of viscosity and pressure upon the magnetized strip. This made the results interpretation less complex. The resonances were observed in the experimental data and mathematical modellin. Calibration curves were defined to make the results interpretation easier.Previously applied and studied techniques which cover the characterization and behaviour of the material provide valid justifications for the implementation of remote sensors made of amorphous metallic strips. The results presented here justify the application of the analysed amorphous strip as a viscosity and pressure sensor in isolated enviroments.

La synthèse et la caractérisation de nouveaux matériaux sont des enjeux majeurs en chimie et en physique. En particulier, les réseaux organométalliques (metal –oganic frameworks : MOFs) avec deux ou plusieurs fonctionnalités couplées, encore rares, sont très attractifs en raison de leur grande variété de propriétés et de leurs applications prometteuses connectant de nombreuses disciplines.Le développement de nouveaux matériaux fascinants peut avoir un impact considérable sur notre vie quotidienne, ce qui explique en partie l'intensification de la recherche dans le cadre de la science des matériaux et de la matière condensée.Cette thèse se concentre sur la synthèse et la caractérisation des propriétés physiques de structures magnétiques basées sur le formiate de métal en utilisant la combinaison de diffraction par neutrons et par rayons X ainsi que d'autres techniques.Les réseaux de métal-formiate sont un sous-groupe spécifique des réseaux organométalliques, typiquement synthétisés en faisant réagir un ligand organique avec un sel métallique sous des conditions solvo-thermiques ou par des techniques d'évaporation ou de diffusion lente. Les centres métalliques sont liés par des molécules de formiate formant un cadre anionique qui peut être équilibré électrochimiquement par des amines protonées.Dans ce travail, j’ai étudié la structure cristalline, les transitions de phases et les propriétés magnétiques de deux familles de composés qui sont représentés par les composés hétéro-métalliques ou à valence mixtes, adoptant une structure de type niccolite et des composés homo-métalliques adoptant une structure pérovskite (ABX3). Les composés suivants ont été synthétisés et caractérisés: [(CH3)2NH3][FeIIIMII(HCOO)6] (M = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni), [(CH3)2NH3][FeIIIFeII(HCOO)6], [(CH3NH3)[M(HCOO)3] (M = Co, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu), and [(NH4)[Mn(HCOO)3].Le choix d'utiliser des ions métalliques spécifiques a été motivé par leur configuration électronique différente et, par conséquent, par les différents comportements physiques, c'est-à-dire une grande différence bien connue dans l'anisotropie magnétique des différents ions divalents utilisés dans cette étude. Outre les effets sur les propriétés lorsque différents ions métalliques divalents sont introduits dans la structure, un autre aspect intéressant est l’effet produit en changeant la nature des contre-ions. Même s'il n'y a pas de corrélation claire entre le contre-ion sélectionné et le changement de comportement magnétique, la diffraction des neutrons permet d'élucider les différences dans la structure nucléaire et dans la structure magnétique lorsque différents contre-ions sont utilisés. Par ailleurs, ce travail, nous aide à comparer nos résultats neutroniques avec les mesures complémentaires de magnétométrie. Une variété de phénomènes magnétiques tels que le comportement ferromagnétique, l'ordre antiferromagnétique, l’angle de basculement spin ont été observés dans les composés étudiés. De plus, du point de vue de la structure nucléaire, différentes transitions de phases ont été détectées impliquant par exemple l'ordre-désordre du contre-ion employé (dans [(CH3)2NH3][FeIIIMII(HCOO)6] par exemple), ou le passage d'une phase commensureable à une phase incommensurable donnant lieu à une modulation de la structure (dans [(CH3NH3)[Co(HCOO)3] par exemple). / The synthesis and the characterization of new materials are key challenges in chemistry and physics. In particular, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with two or more coupled functionalities are still rare and very attractive candidates because of their wide variety of properties, and promising applications interesting many disciplines. The impact of the development of new fascinating materials on our day life might be considerable. This is also one of the reason explaining the intense increasing of the research in material science and condensed matter.This thesis is focused on the synthesis and the physical characterization of magnetic metal formate frameworks using the combination of neutron and synchrotron X-Ray diffraction as well as other techniques. Metal-formate frameworks are a specific subgroup of metal-organic frameworks, where the metal centres are linked by the formate molecules to form an anionic framework. The negative charge of the framework is balanced by a counter-cation inside the frameworks’ cavities, that can be for example protonated amines.Typically, these compounds are synthesized by reacting formate or formic acid with a metal salt under solvo-thermal conditions or by slow evaporation or diffusion techniques.In this work, I investigated the crystal structure, phase transitions and magnetic properties of two families of metal formate frameworks, which are represented by the hetero-metallic or mixed valance compounds adopting a niccolite-like structure, and the homo-metallic compounds adopting a perovskite-like (ABX3) structure.Altogether, the following compounds were synthesized and characterized: [(CH3)2NH3][FeIIIMII(HCOO)6] (M = Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni), [(CH3)2NH3][FeIIIFeII(HCOO)6], [(CH3NH3)[M(HCOO)3] (M = Co, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu), and [(NH4)[Mn(HCOO)3].The choice of using specific metal ions has been motivated by their different electronic configuration and therefore different physical behaviours, i.e. a large difference in the magnetic anisotropy is well known among the different divalent ions used in this study. Beside the effects on the properties when different divalent metal ions were introduced within the framework, the effects of the nature of the counterions was investigated.Even though there is not a clear correlation between the selected counterion and the change of magnetic behaviour, neutron diffraction allows elucidating the differences in the nuclear and in the magnetic structure when different counterions are used. Moreover, these works help us to compare our neutron results with the magnetometry measurements, which is a complementary technique.A variety of magnetic phenomena such as ferromagnetic behaviour, antiferromagnetic ordering, spin canting have been observed in the compounds studied. Furthermore, from the nuclear structure point of view many different kind of phase transitions were detected involving for instance, the order-disorder of the counter ion employed (in [(CH3)2NH3][FeIIIMII(HCOO)6] for example), or the transition from a commensurate to incommensurate phase giving rise to a modulation of the structure (in [(CH3NH3)[Co(HCOO)3] for example).