O objetivo deste trabalho foi tentar correlacionar microestrutura e propriedades magnéticas de ímãs permanentes de alta energia do tipo Sm(CoFeCuZr)z para aplicações em temperaturas acima de 300°C. Avaliou-se a possibilidade de que o constituinte matriz da microestrutura dos ímãs para altas temperaturas fosse diferente do constituinte matriz dos ímãs convencionais. Com este propósito foram estudados três conjuntos de amostras: i) Dois ímãs comerciais para aplicações na temperatura ambiente, um da Electron Energy e outro da Vacuumschmelze. Eles foram caracterizados magneticamente e a sua microestrutura foi analisada por microscópio eletrônico de varredura dotado de análise química, com o objetivo de avaliar se os mesmos apresentavam dois microconstituintes presentes em algumas ligas de Sm(CoFeCuZr)z. ii) Uma liga comercial da Johnson Matthey (JM) que é utilizada para produzir ímãs permanentes de Sm(CoFeCuZr)z. Essa liga foi utilizada para o estudo e avaliação de ciclos térmicos como solubilização, tratamento isotérmico, rampa de resfriamento lento e tratamento térmico a 400°C, e o seu efeito nas propriedades magnéticas e na micro e nano estruturas. iii) Duas séries de ligas com seis amostras cada série produzidas em forno a arco voltaico no LMM-IFUSP, com o propósito de estudar o efeito do teor de cobre e samário nas propriedades magnéticas, na microestrutura e na nanoestrutura dessas ligas. A caracterização magnética em campo de 9T permitiu determinar a polarização máxima e o campo coercivo das amostras. A caracterização magnética em campos de até 2T permitiu determinar o campo coercivo e a polarização remanente das amostras em temperaturas na faixa de 200 a 500°C. Três ligas resultaram em campo coercivo Hci > 398kA/m (Hci > 5kOe) a 450°C, que segundo a literatura, podem ser utilizadas em aplicações em temperaturas elevadas. Uma caracterização detalhada da microestrutura e da composição química foi feita utilizando-se Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) com VI análise química de praticamente todas as amostras. No diagrama de fases pseudo-ternário foi possível definir o campo de fases das composições 2:17R com baixo e alto Sm. As amostras da liga comercial JM e três das doze ligas produzidas em forno a arco voltaico apresentaram os microconstituintes claro e escuro e estes parecem não afetar as propriedades magnéticas das amostras. Foi observado que com o aumento do teor de Sm na liga a polarização máxima diminui. A polarização máxima Jmáx também diminui com o aumento do teor de Cu na liga, porém de forma menos acentuada. Foi possível observar a estrutura nanométrica, bem como a presença e a formação das nanocélulas nessas ligas nanocristalinas com elétrons secundários via microscopia eletrônica de varredura com fonte de emissão de campo MEV/FEG, que é um diferencial neste trabalho uma vez que essas análises são típicas em microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Verificou-se que as nanocélulas são observáveis com FEG em amostras cuja coercividade são superiores a 159 kA/m (2kOe). Foi possível aplicar o modelo de Stoner-Wohlfarth modificado por Callen Liu e Cullen à curva de histerese para determinar o campo de anisotropia magnetocristalina, a magnetização de saturação e o coeficiente de interação de campo médio 1/d. A difração de Raios-X aliada ao refinamento Rietveld permitiram determinar as fases formadas em altas temperaturas após o tratamento de homogeneização a 1175°C/4h. Verificou-se que há a formação de duas fases romboédricas, uma rica em cobre e a outra rica em ferro. Este dado é inédito na literatura. / The main objective of this study was to correlate microstructure and magnetic properties of high-energy permanent magnets of the Sm(CoFeCuZr)z type for applications at temperatures above 300°C. The possibility that the matrix constituents of the microstructure of high temperature magnets are different from the matrix constituents of the conventional magnets is investigated with three sets of samples: i) Two magnets for commercial applications at room temperature, one produced by Electron Energy and the other by Vacuumschmelze. ii) A Sm(CoFeCuZr)z as-cast alloy synthesized by Johnson Matthey (JM) for permanent magnets production was used to study the effect of heat treatment steps as follows: (a) solutionizing at 1175°C for 4h, b) followed by quenching in water, (c) reheating at 820°C for 7h, d) followed by slow cooling down at 1°C/min to 400°C, and (e) heat treatment at 400°C for different durations and their effects on its magnetic properties and its micro and nanostructure. iii) Two series of Sm(CobalFe0.15CuxZr0.023)7 and Sm(CobalFe0.15CuxZr0.023)8.5 alloys with x=0.058, 0.088, 0.108 were prepared by arc melting technique, in order to study the effect of Copper and Samarium contents on its microstructure and magnetic properties. The characterization in magnetic fields up to 9T allowed to determine the maximum polarization and the intrinsic coercivity of the samples. The characterization in magnetic field up 2T allowed to determine the coercive field and remanence of the samples at temperatures between 200°C and 500°C. Three alloys resulted in coercive field Hci > 398kA/m (Hci > 5kOe) at 450°C, which according to the literature, can be used in applications at elevated temperatures. A detailed characterization of the microstructure and chemical composition was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDAX chemical analysis of virtually all samples. The JM samples and three of the twelve alloys produced in the electric arc furnace showed the light and dark microconstituents, here identified as two 2:17 rombohedral phases with low and VIII high Sm. In a pseudo-ternary phase diagram it was possible to define the two phase field of 2:17R with low and high Sm. No correlation could be found with the magnetic properties of the samples. It was observed that by increasing the Sm content in the alloy the maximum induction Jmax decreases. The maximum induction Jmax also decreases with increasing Cu content in the alloy, but to a lesser extent. It was possible to observe the nanocrystalline microstructure as well as the presence and formation of nanocrystalline cells with scanning electron microscopy with field emission source SEM-FEG. Those characteristics are usually only observed by transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the nanocrystalline cells are observable with SEM-FEG on samples whose coercivity is above 159 kA/m (2kOe). It was possible to apply the Stoner-Wohlfarth model modified by Callen Liu and Cullen in the hysteresis loop to determine the magnetocrystalline anisotropy field, the saturation magnetization and the mean field interaction 1/d. The X-ray diffraction coupled with a Rietveld refinement were used to determine the phases formed at high temperatures after the solutinizing heat treatment at 1175°C/4h. It was found that there are two kinds of 2:17 rhombohedral phases formation. One is rich in copper and the other rich in iron.

Les accouplements (ou coupleurs) magnétiques servent à transmettre le couple d'un moteur vers sa charge sans contact mécanique. La suppression de ces contacts permet de réduire les bruits et vibrations, d'augmenter la fiabilité et d'assurer l'étanchéité dans des environnements difficiles. Dans le cas des moteurs supraconducteurs, un accouplement utilisant des matériaux supraconducteurs permet une nette augmentation des performances tout en transmettant le couple entre un environnement cryogénique (cryostat) et la température ambiante. Ce mémoire porte sur l'étude de coupleurs magnétiques à base de supraconducteurs à haute température critique (HTC) et d'aimants permanents. Deux topologies sont proposées, l'une à flux radial et l'autre à flux axial. Des outils analytiques et numériques sont développés pour le dimensionnement des accouplements étudiés. Un modèle analytique 2D de calcul du champ magnétique dans un accouplement supraconducteur à flux radial est développé et validé par éléments finis. Ce modèle est par la suite utilisé dans une procédure d'optimisation par algorithmes génétiques. L'objectif étant de rechercher les dimensions de l'accouplement qui maximisent le couple et minimisent la longueur du fil supraconducteur. Un prototype d'accouplement à flux axial est aussi réalisé. Plusieurs essais de caractérisation des bobines HTC sont menés. Des résultats de mesure de champ magnétique, de courant critique et de couple sont présentés / Magnetic couplings (or couplers) are used to transmit torque from a prime mover to its load without mechanical contact. This contactless transmission allows to reduce noise and vibration, to increase reliability and ensure hermetic isolation in severe environments. When the prime mover is a superconducting motor, a coupler which uses superconducting materials has more torque transmission capabilities and enables to transmit torque between a cryogenic media (cryostat) and the ambient temperature. This work focuses on the study of magnetic couplers using high temperature superconductors (HTS) and permanent magnets. Radial and axial field magnetic couplings, for which we developed analytical and numerical design tools, are proposed. A 2D analytical model for calculating the magnetic field distribution in a flux focusing HTS coupling is developed and validated by finite element computations. This model is then embedded in a genetic algorithms optimization procedure. The aim is to find the dimensions of the coupling that maximize torque and minimize the overall length of the HTS wires. A prototype axial field HTS coupler has been also designed, constructed and tested. Several tests have been conducted to characterize the HTS coils. Results of magnetic field, critical current and torque measurements are presented

Nous proposons l’étude d’une machine supraconductrice à flux axial composée d’un stator bobiné en cuivre et d’un inducteur avec des solénoïdes supraconducteurs à hautes températures critiques (HTc). Ce type de machine est adapté pour des applications de fortes puissances (plusieurs MW) avec de faibles vitesses de rotation (quelques centaines de tr/min), comme la propulsion de navire. Un accouplement magnétique, intégré au moteur, est utilisé pour transmettre le couple de l’inducteur supraconducteur vers la charge à température ambiante sans contact. On peut ainsi se passer des « torques tubes » qui sont habituellement présents dans les moteurs supraconducteurs pour relier mécaniquement l’inducteur à la charge et ainsi réduire les pertes thermiques par conduction. De plus, les accouplements magnétiques offrent une protection naturelle contre les surcharges mécaniques. Pour évaluer les performances de la solution proposée, nous avons développé un modèle analytique en 3D prenant en compte le comportement non linéaire des supraconducteurs en fonction du champ magnétique appliqué et de la température de fonctionnement. Ce modèle est ensuite intégré dans un processus de dimensionnement utilisant un algorithme génétique multi objectifs. Les résultats de cette optimisation montrent un gain en compacité (machine avec accouplement magnétique) 2 à 3,5 fois plus importants par rapport à des machines conventionnelles. Un prototype de machine supraconductrice à flux axial avec accouplement magnétique intégré est aussi réalisé. La conception, la fabrication et les tests sont présentés dans ce manuscrit. Tous les résultats sont validés par des calculs par éléments finis. / The study of an axial-field high temperature superconducting (HTS) motor for applications requiring high torque densities is proposed. The HTS motor consists of a stator with copper winding and an inductor with superconducting coils. A HTS magnetic coupler is used as a part of the system, to transmit the torque from the HTS motor to the load. This solution is a good alternative to the usually used torques tubes as it results in the reduction of conduction thermal losses and offers an intrinsic protection against overloads. To evaluate the performance of the studied device, a 3D electromagnetic analytical model has been developed. This model takes into account the dependence on the applied magnetic field and temperature of the HTS material. Finally, a genetic algorithms optimization of the studied device is carried out to find the optimum geometric dimensions. The results show that the proposed solution (machine with magnetic coupling) is about 2 to 3,5 times more compact than a conventional machine drive solution. An axial-field HTS motor with integrated magnetic coupling has been also designed, constructed and tested. The test results have been checked by 3D finite element computations.

Este trabalho propõe uma investigação sobre a influência da alocação da área de mancal em compressores herméticos para a refrigeração, considerando um motor Síncrono de Ímãs Permanentes com Partida Direta na Rede (LSPMSM) monofásico, e utilizando cálculos analíticos convencionais e o Método de Elementos Finitos (MEF). O recente aumento da preocupação com a eficiência energética tem levado muitos países a implantarem legislações que impõem necessidades de aumento de eficiência de motores elétricos. Neste contexto, o motor LSPMSM se apresenta como alternativa aos motores de indução convencionais visando à diminuição do consumo de energia elétrica, por exemplo, em refrigeradores. No entanto, a exigência de alocação de uma grande área para o mancal e por consequência a retirada de materiais ferromagnéticos do rotor pode diminuir o desempenho do motor LSPMSM inviabilizando assim sua aplicação. Para a realização deste estudo, foi adotada uma metodologia de projeto disponível na literatura para estabelecer as etapas do projeto a ser realizado. Tal referência de projeto, embora elaborada para ser utilizada em um motor LSPMSM trifásico, foi utilizada em um projeto de motor monofásico. Os resultados do ensaio foram comparados com os dados obtidos via simulações computacionais de tal forma a validar o método proposto e também avaliar o impacto da retirada de material do rotor no desempenho final do motor. Os resultados práticos ficaram próximos aos resultados obtidos em simulação validando a utilização da metodologia também em motores monofásicos. Desta forma foi possível visualizar o efeito da área de mancal no rotor que devido ao aumento da relutância do circuito magnético alterou os resultados do valor da tensão induzida dos ímãs. / This work proposes a study about the influence of the bearing area allocation in hermetic compressors for refrigeration, considering a single phase Line Start Permanent Magnets Synchronous Motor, and employing conventional analytical calculations and the Finite Element Method (MEF). Recent increase in concern about energy efficiency has led many countries to roll out laws that impose requirements to raise the electric motor efficiency. In this context the LSPMSM motor is an alternative over conventional induction motors for the purpose of seeking power consumption reduction. However, the requirement to allocate a large area for the bearing and thus removal of ferromagnetic materials of the rotor can reduce LSPMSM motor performance what may impede its implementation. For the accomplishment of this study it was adopted a methodology of design available in the literature to set up the steps to be followed. Such design reference was at first described to be applied in three phase LSPMSM, however in this work it was applied in a single phase motor. Tests results were compared with data obtained via computer simulations in a way to validate the proposed method and to assess the impact of material removal from de rotor on the motor performance. The obtained bench test results were close to those simulated ones validating the methodology to be used in single phase motors too. Therefore, it was feasible to notice the influence of the counterbore area in the rotor, which, due to the increased value of the circuit reluctance, changed induced voltage values related to the magnets.

Les véhicules électriques (VE) ou les véhicules électriques hybrides (VEH) offrent de nombreux avantages par rapport aux véhicules à moteur à combustion interne classiques. Selon les tendances récentes, la demande en VE(H) efficaces devrait augmenter considérablement. Pour une gamme haute puissance, la technologie des moteurs à aimants permanents a été le choix privilégié dans les véhicules électriques hybrides. La demande croissante de moteurs à haut rendement est en corrélation directe avec la demande d'aimants puissants (NdFeB ou SmCo) utilisant des terres rares. La disponibilité et la production des terres rares sont très critiques particulièrement pour les terres rares lourdes. L'objectif de cette thèse de doctorat est donc de concevoir un moteur Halbach à rotor extérieur pour une application VE(H) avec recyclage et réutilisation faciles des aimants. En outre, le projet vise à étudier et à proposer la fabrication d'un aimant Halbach utilisé dans les moteurs de forte puissance pour application VE.Tout d'abord, la fabrication d'un aimant Halbach utilisant un aimant NdFeB fritté avec et sans liant a été étudiée. L'étude montre que la fabrication d'une configuration de Halbach à l'aide d'un aimant collé est beaucoup plus facile et plus rentable que la fabrication d'un aimant fritté. La caractérisation d'un aimant NdFeB lié utilisé pour fabriquer un aimant Halbach a également été réalisée. Diverses voies de recyclage des aimants frittés et liés ont été analysées; on peut en déduire que les aimants collés sont beaucoup plus faciles à recycler, de manière rentable et respectueuse de l'environnement. La thèse propose également un moyen de recyclage pour l'aimant collé utilisé dans le moteur.Deuxièmement, un moteur à aimant Halbach collé a été conçu en modélisation éléments finis 2D et 3D. Pour obtenir un moteur très efficace et compact, on a utilisé un bobinage à pas fractionnaire. Les propriétés de l'aimant Halbach ont été calculées à l'aide du modèle éléments finis et comparées au modèle analytique. Les résultats obtenus par les deux approches étaient similaires. De plus, l'impact des combinaisons nombre d’encoches-pôles sur les pertes moteur et le couple a été étudié, en particulier les pertes Joule (compte tenu de toutes les contraintes de conception). Différentes stratégies pour utiliser des aimants recyclés à faible rémanence sont également présentées. L'utilisation d'un aimant recyclé avec une augmentation de la longueur axiale du moteur pourrait être le meilleur choix compte tenu de différents facteurs, notamment la fabrication de l'aimant Halbach. Sur la base de différentes études paramétriques, une conception du moteur a été proposée et un prototype a été construit. Il a été montré qu'un aimant Halbach de grande puissance pouvait être construit de manière économique avec un aimant NdFeB collé. La densité de flux d'entrefer du rotor, mesurée sur le prototype, est en étroite concordance avec les valeurs calculées.De plus, la méthodologie WIRE (Weighted Index of Recycling and Energy) a été présentée pour comparer différentes conceptions de moteurs en fonction de leur performance et de leur recyclabilité. La méthode développée produit deux indices basés sur-Facilité de recyclage du moteur en ce qui concerne le matériau, le montage et le démontage des aimants.-Impact d'un aimant recyclé sur la consommation d'énergie d'un moteur pendant sa durée de vie.En utilisant ces deux indices, on peut facilement analyser les avantages et les inconvénients des différentes conceptions sur la base de la recyclabilité et de l'efficacité énergétique. La conception proposée a été évaluée à l'aide cette méthode et on montre que le moteur est facile à monter et à démonter. De plus, l’assemblage moteur (sans colle) permet une extraction facile des aimants et une réutilisation directe. L'indice énergétique évalué du moteur montre l'impact de l'utilisation d'un aimant recyclé et sa viabilité pour les applications VE dans différents scénarios / Electric vehicles (EVs) or Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) offer many advantages over the conventional IC engine vehicles. According to recent trends, the demand for efficient (H)EVs is expected to grow significantly. For a high-power range, permanent magnet based motor technology has been the preferred choice for motors deployed in (H)EVs. Growing demand of highly efficient motors is in direct correlation to the demand of strong magnets (NdFeB or SmCo), which uses rare earth elements (REE). The availability and supply of REEs specially heavy REEs is very critical. Therefore, the aim of this doctoral thesis is to design an outer rotor Halbach motor for a (H)EV application with easy recycling and reuse of the magnet. Further, the project aims to investigate and propose the manufacturing of a Halbach magnet used in a high power motor EV applications.Firstly, the manufacturing of Halbach magnet using a sintered and a bonded NdFeB magnet was investigated. The study shows that the manufacturing of Halbach array using a bonded magnet is much easier and more cost effective than the sintered magnet. The characterisation of a bonded NdFeB magnet used for manufacturing a Halbach magnet was also performed. Various recycling routes for both sintered and bonded magnets were analysed and it can be inferred that bonded magnets are much easier to recycle in a cost effective and environment friendly manner. The thesis also proposes the recycling route for the bonded magnet used in the motor.Secondly, a motor with bonded Halbach magnet was designed using 2D and 3D FEM. To achieve a highly efficient and compact motor, fractional slot tooth coil winding was used. The properties of Halbach magnet was calculated using FEM model and benchmarked against the analytical model. The results obtained from the two approaches were in close agreement. Further, the impact of slot pole combinations on motor losses and the subsequent torque were investigated, specifically eddy loss (considering all the design constraints). Different strategies to use recycled magnet with lower remanence is also presented. It is shown that using a recycled magnet with increased axial length of the motor could be the best choice considering different factors, specially manufacturing of the Halbach magnet. Based on different parametric studies a design of the motor was proposed and prototype was built. It was demonstrated that a high power Halbach magnet could be built economically using a bonded NdFeB magnet. The airgap flux density of the rotor, measured on the prototype is in close agreement with the calculated values.Additionally, WIRE (Weighted Index of Recycling and Energy) methodology was presented to benchmark different motor designs on the basis of performance and recy- clability. The method developed produces two indices based on:• Ease of motor recyclability considering material, assembly and disassembly of magnets.• Impact of a recycled magnet on the energy consumption of a motor during its operational lifetime.Using both the above indices, one can easily analyse the pros and cons of different motor designs on the basis of recyclability and energy efficiency. The proposed motor design was evaluated using the developed method and it is shown that the motor is easy to assemble and disassemble. In addition, the motor assembly (glue free) enables easy magnet extraction and direct reuse. The evaluated energy index of the motor shows the impact of using a recycled magnet and its viability for EV applications in different scenarios.

De nombreux systèmes utilisent des convertisseurs électroniques de puissance fonctionnant en modulation de largeur d'impulsions (MLI) comme organe de réglage ou de commande. On peut en particulier citer les entraînements à vitesse variable, les alimentations à découpage ou les filtres actifs. L'objectif du travail est de contribuer à l'étude en temps discret du fonctionnement de ces systèmes lorsqu'ils sont munis d'une commande numérique dont la période d'échantillonnage est synchronisée sur la période de modulation de largeur d'impulsions. Pour cela nous avons développé une méthode originale qui consiste à écrire les équations différentielles qui décrivent la dynamique du système en remplaçant sur chaque période de modulation les fonctions binaires qui représentent les états successifs (ON ou OFF) des semi-conducteurs de puissance par un développement limité en série de Fourier. En introduisant de manière judicieuse dans les équations différentielles du système, des termes harmoniques des fonctions binaires qui décrivent les états des interrupteurs, cette manière de procéder nous a permis de décomposer l'étude en deux étapes : · dans une première étape en limitant le développement en série de Fourier des fonctions binaires décrivant les états des interrupteurs à leur premier terme (c'est-à-dire à leurs valeurs moyennes) nous avons construit un modèle discret d'ordre zéro qui rend compte de l'effet moyen de la découpe MLI, · dans une deuxième étape nous avons construit un modèle dynamique approché de l'écart existant entre le modèle d'ordre zéro et le modèle détaillé du système. Ce modèle fournit une bonne estimation des ondulations induites par la découpe MLI dans les grandeurs du système. Pour le cas des entraînements par moteurs synchrones à aimants permanents alimentés par onduleurs de tension nous avons ainsi pu mettre en évidence que l'étude de la stabilité des boucles des courants du moteur à partir du modèle d'ordre zéro reste valable en présence des ondulations dues à la MLI pour autant qu'on utilise une MLI symétrique avec rafraîchissement des références une fois par période. / Nowadays, a large number of systems are using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Power Electronic Converters as control part. These systems can, for example, be variable-speed drives, switching power supplies or active filters. The goal of this work is to contribute to the study of operation of this type of system when they are equipped with a digital control part of which the sampling period is synchronized on the modulation one. After having shown how the equations of these systems can be written down and indicated how their evolution in closed loop operation can be described by using iterative maps, we have tried to develop an approach which allows simplifying this study. The iterative map method has been used in order to take into account the “sequential “character of these systems, i.e. the fact that the control signals are sequences of events which correspond to the changes of the state of the converter semiconductor switches. Therefore we have developed an original method which consists in replacing on each modulation period, in the differential equations describing the system dynamics, the binary functions representing the successive ON or OFF states of the power semiconductors, by a limited Fourier series development of these functions. This method has allowed splitting the study of these systems into two steps: • in the first step a “zero order” model was built. This first model, which provides the average effect of the PWM pulse pattern, has been obtained by limiting the Fourier series development of the binary functions describing the states of the converter switches, to their first term, the one corresponding to their average values on the PWM period, • in the second step we have introduced an approached dynamic model characterising the error between the zero order model and the exact model of the system. This model was built by considering a well chosen number of harmonic terms of the binary functions describing the ON-OFF states of the switches in the differential equations of the system. By combining the error model and the zero order model we have been able to estimate in which measure the ripples induced by the PWM modulation affect the results of the system stability study made by using the zero order model. For the case of Permanent Magnets Synchronous Motors fed by Voltage Source Inverters we have shown that the study of the stability of the motor currents loops made with the zero order model remains valid in the presence of ripples induced by the PWM, as long as a symmetrical modulation is used, with references which are refreshed one time on each switching period.

In the growing field of spintronics there is a strong need for development of flexible lightweight semi-conducting magnets. Molecular organic-based magnets are attractive candidates since it is possible to tune their properties by organic chemistry, making them so-called “designer magnets”. Vanadium tetracyanoethylene, V(TCNE)x, is particularly interesting since it is a semiconductor with Curie temperature above room temperature (TC~400 K). The main problem with these organic-based magnets is that they are extremely air sensitive. This thesis reports on the frontier electronic structure of the V(TCNE)x by characterization with photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and near edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy. It also presents a new and more flexible preparation method of this class of organic-based thin film magnets. The result shows improved air stability of the V(TCNE)x prepared with this method as compared to V(TCNE)x prepared by hitherto used methods.

In this thesis, we investigate strongly correlated phenomena in quantum spin systems. In the first part of this work, we study geometrically frustrated antiferromagnets (AFMs). Generalizing the SU(2) Heisenberg Hamiltonian to Sp(N) symmetry, we obtain, in the large-N limit, the mean-field phase diagrams for the planar pyrochlore and cubic AFMs. We then use gauge theories to consider fluctuation effects about their respective mean-field configurations. We find, in addition to conventional Neel states, a plethora of novel magnetically disordered phases: two kinds of spin liquids, Z2 in 2+1D and U(1)in 3+1D, and several valence bond solids such as two and three-dimensional plaquette and columnar singlet states. We use the same approach to study the diamond lattice AFM which possesses extended classical ground state degeneracy. We demonstrate that quantum and entropic fluctuations lift this degeneracy in different ways. In the second part of the thesis, we study ultracold spinor atoms confined in optical lattices. We first demonstrate the feasibility of experimental realization of rotor models using ultracold spin-one Bose atoms in a spin-dependent and disordered optical lattice. We show that the ground state of such disordered rotor models with quadrupolar interactions can exhibit biaxial nematic ordering in the disorder-averaged sense, and suggest an imaging experiment to detect the biaxial nematicity in such systems. Finally, using variational wavefunction methods, we study the Mott phases and superfluid-insulator transition of spin-three bosons in an optical lattice with an anisotropic two dimensional optical trap. We chart out the phase diagrams for Mott states with n = 1 and n = 2 atoms per lattice site. We show that the long-range dipolar interaction stabilizes a state characterized by antiferromagnetic chains made of ferromagnetically aligned spins. We also obtain the mean-field phase boundary for the superfluid-insulator transition, and show that inside the superfluid phase and near the superfluid-insulator phase boundary, the system undergoes a first order antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic spin ordering transition.

In this thesis, we investigate strongly correlated phenomena in quantum spin systems. In the first part of this work, we study geometrically frustrated antiferromagnets (AFMs). Generalizing the SU(2) Heisenberg Hamiltonian to Sp(N) symmetry, we obtain, in the large-N limit, the mean-field phase diagrams for the planar pyrochlore and cubic AFMs. We then use gauge theories to consider fluctuation effects about their respective mean-field configurations. We find, in addition to conventional Neel states, a plethora of novel magnetically disordered phases: two kinds of spin liquids, Z2 in 2+1D and U(1)in 3+1D, and several valence bond solids such as two and three-dimensional plaquette and columnar singlet states. We use the same approach to study the diamond lattice AFM which possesses extended classical ground state degeneracy. We demonstrate that quantum and entropic fluctuations lift this degeneracy in different ways. In the second part of the thesis, we study ultracold spinor atoms confined in optical lattices. We first demonstrate the feasibility of experimental realization of rotor models using ultracold spin-one Bose atoms in a spin-dependent and disordered optical lattice. We show that the ground state of such disordered rotor models with quadrupolar interactions can exhibit biaxial nematic ordering in the disorder-averaged sense, and suggest an imaging experiment to detect the biaxial nematicity in such systems. Finally, using variational wavefunction methods, we study the Mott phases and superfluid-insulator transition of spin-three bosons in an optical lattice with an anisotropic two dimensional optical trap. We chart out the phase diagrams for Mott states with n = 1 and n = 2 atoms per lattice site. We show that the long-range dipolar interaction stabilizes a state characterized by antiferromagnetic chains made of ferromagnetically aligned spins. We also obtain the mean-field phase boundary for the superfluid-insulator transition, and show that inside the superfluid phase and near the superfluid-insulator phase boundary, the system undergoes a first order antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic spin ordering transition.

Condensed matter physics provides us with an opportunity to explore a large variety of systems with diverse properties. Central to the understanding of these systems is a characterization of the nature of their ground states and low energy excitation. Often, such systems show various forms of emergent properties that are absent in the microscopic level. Identification of such emergent phases of condensed matter form an important avenue of research in the field. In this thesis example of such phases and their associated phase transitions have been studied. The work presented here may be broadly divided into two themes: construction of the theoretical framework for understanding materials already studied experimentally, and, trying to provide new theoretical avenues which may be relevant for understanding future experiments. In these studies we shall explore some unconventional phases and phase transitions that may occur in condensed matter systems. A comprehensive understanding of the properties of such unconventional phases and phase transitions is important in the context of the large array of experimentally studied materials that regularly defy conventional wisdom in more than one way. The thesis consists of two distinct parts. In the first part we study three problems in frustrated magnets. The second part consists of studies of the tunnelling spectroscopy of metal-insulator-superconductor junctions in graphene. Studies in frustrated magnets have opened up the possibility of existence of a whole range of phases beyond the already known magnetically ordered ones. Some of these new phases, like the spin nematic or the valence bond solid, display some other conventional order themselves. Others, like the much sort after spin liquid phases displays a whole new kind of order that cannot be captured through the celebrated Landau’s classification of phases on the basis of symmetry breaking and associated order parameters. The phase transitions in these systems are also equally interesting and lead to intriguing possibilities that demand new modes of analysis. In this part of the thesis we shall study the different properties of three magnets with spin-1/2, 1 and 3/2 respectively. We start by providing an introduction to frustrated spin systems in Chapter [1]. The origin of antiferromagnetic interactions in Mott insulators is discussed and the concept of frustration of magnetic interaction is explained. We also point out the causes that may destroy magnetic order in spin systems, particularly the role of quantum fluctuations in presence or absence of magnetic frustration. This is followed with a brief outline of various magnetically ordered and disordered ground states with particular emphasis on the description of the later. We also give a brief outline of various properties of such phases and associated quantum phase transitions particularly noting the influences of quantum interferences encoded in the Berry phase terms. A brief description of the finite temperature properties is also provided. We end an outline of various experimentally relevant compounds that requires comprehensive understanding, some of which have been addressed in this thesis. In Chapter [2] we study the properties of a spin-nematic state in context of the recently discovered spin-1 Mott insulator Nickel Gallium Sulphide (NiGa2S4). This isotropic triangular lattice compound shows no spin ordering till low temperatures. We propose that it may have a particular type of spin-nematic ground state and explain the experimentally observed properties of the compound on the basis of our proposal. Starting from a two band Hubbard model description, relevant for the compound, we derive the Bilinear Biquadratic spin Hamiltonian. We then show, within mean field theory, that this Hamiltonian describes a transition from the spiral state to a ferro-nematic state as a function of the ratio of bilinear and biquadratic couplings. We also study the possible effects of small pinning disorder andmagnetic field and suggest experiments that can possibly distinguish the proposed nematic state from others. In Chapter [3] we explore the effects of the magneto-elastic coupling in the spin-3/2 B-site chromite spinel Cadmium Chromite (CdCr2O4). In this compound the spins form a pyrochlore lattice. Nearest neighbour spins interact antiferromagnetically. Due to frustration the system does not order at low temperatures and instead goes into a classical spin liquid state. Such a cooperative paramagnet is very susceptible to external perturbations which may relieve their frustration. In CdCr2O4, at lower temperatures the magnetic frustration is relieved by distorting the lattice through a first order magnetoelastic transition. Thus the compound presents a case where the relevant perturbation to the frustrated spin interactions is provided by spin-phonon coupling. An effect of such perturbations on a cooperative paramagnet is of general interest and all aspects of this are not understood presently. We take the initial step of characterizing the spin-phonon interaction in detail. Based on recent sound velocity experiments, we construct a microscopic theory for the sound velocity renormalization due to the spin-phonon coupling and explain the recent experimental data obtained by S. Zherlitsyn et al. using our theory we can explain the dependence of the sound velocity on temperature as well as magnetic field. We also construct a Landau theory to explain (qualitatively) the behaviour of sound velocity across the magneto-structural transition. Further, we discuss the effects due to the small Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction that may be present in these compounds. In Chapter [4] we study the possibility of a direct second order quantum phase transition from spiral to dimer phase in two dimensional antiferromagnets. Such transitions between phases with incompatible symmetries are forbidden within conventional Landau Ginzburg-Wilson paradigm of critical phenomena. Early works showed that when the spiral is destroyed by long wavelength fluctuations a fractionalized Z2 spin liquid is obtained. In this work we show an alternative way–the quantum destruction of the spiral magnet. We argue that, when the defects of the spiral phase proliferate and condense, their associated Berry phase automatically leads to dimerization. We apply our theory to study concrete lattice models where such transitions may be observed. This transition is an example of a Landau forbidden deconfined quantum phase transition. The proposed critical theory is naturally written in terms of fractional degrees of freedom which emerge right at the critical point. These fractional particles interact with each other through emergent gauge fields and are deconfined right at the critical point (but are confined in either of the two adjoining phases). We argue, based on existing results, that the monopoles of the gauge field are dangerously irrelevant right at the critical point rendering the later noncompact. The critical point is characterized by an emergent global U (1) conservation law that is absent in the microscopic model, a typical feature of a deconfined quantum critical point. The resultant field theory belongs to the class of anisotropic NCCP3 class which may be studied numerically in future to understand its critical properties. In modern condensed matter physics the emergence of new and novel phases of matter have often been associated with the presence of strong correlations. Indeed, strongly correlated systems seem to harbour in them the potential to realize some of the most unconventional and exotic emergent phases of matter. However in graphene, which is a single layer of graphite, the emergence of novel properties, as present experiments suggest, is due to its unique band structure and not a fallout of intricate correlation effects. Band structure studies of graphene suggest that the material is a zero gap semiconductor with the low energy excitations resembling massless Dirac quasi-particles. The consequence of this is immediate and interesting. It has lead to the possibility of exploring the physics of relativistic fermions in two spatial dimensions and much of this has been studied with great vigour in the last five years. In our studies, presented in Chapter [5], we explore one of the many consequence of this emergent Dirac structure of the low energy quasi-particles, namely the properties of metal-insulator-superconductor junctions of graphene. The twin effect of Klein tunneling of Dirac fermions (and associated transmission resonances) and Andreev reflection (both specular and retro) sets them aside from their conventional counterparts. The graphene normal metal-insulator-superconductor (NIS) junctions show strikingly different properties like oscillations in the sub-gap tunneling conductance as a function of both barrier strength and width. We make a detailed study of this for arbitrary barrier strengths and widths with and without Fermi-surface mismatch between the normal and the superconducting sides. The amplitude of these oscillations are maximum for aligned Fermi surface and vanishes for large Fermi surface mismatch. We provide an understanding for this unconventional behaviour of graphene NIS junctions. We also suggest experimental tests for our theory. Such experimental verification will reveal one more remarkable emergent property in a condensed matter system.