Crystal growth, inelastic neutron scattering and muon spin rotation studies on novel Kondo insulators or semiconductors

Single Crystal Grown and Superconducting and Magnetic properties of Strongly Correlated Electron SystemsThe main theme of our research group is on the anisotropic studies of Strongly Correlated Electron System (SCES) particularly on the rare-earth intermetallic systems. Recently, the research on condensed matter physics is focussed on the magnetic instability arising due to the effect of pressure near the so called quantum critical point (QCP). In some compounds superconductivity is observed near the QCP. It has been well documented in the literature that high quality single crystalline samples are necessary to observe superconductivity near QCP. The single crystals of SCES compounds can be grown by a variety of methods based on their melting behaviour. We employ the following methods to grow the single crystals: • Czochralski method (using Tetra-arc and induction furnace)• High Temperatuer Solution Growth (Flux growth)• Brdigman method To study the anisotropic physical properties, the grown crystals have to be oriented and cut along the crystallographic axis. We employ the x-ray Laue diffraction method to orient the single crystal and a wire electric discharge machine (EDM) to cut the single crystal. The magnetic properties of the single crystals are studied by means of the electrical resistivity (home made set-up), Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID), Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) both from Quantum Design, USA and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) from Oxford, UK.

Synthesis of new High Tc-superconductors

Magnetic and transport properties of rare earth based strongly correlated electron systemsNowadays there is a renewed interest in the rare-earth based intermetallic compounds, which is primarily due to their possible use in the field of magnetic cooling and giant magnetoresistance based memory devices. A correlation between the magnetic and electrical response of a material is an essential property in a diverse range of technological applications, including magnetic sensors such as read head devices in computer hard disks. The compounds containing heavy rare-earth atoms with large localised moment are particularly useful for various magneto-functional applications. The magnetic behaviour observed in case of rare-earth based intermetallics is vast and fascinating, which include metamagnetism, magneto-structural instability, heavy fermion behavior. A wide variety of magnetic structures are displayed by the rare earth metals and their alloys, starting from simple ferromagnetism to complex sinusoidal or helical ordering.