Research activities
We study novel phenomena in intermetallic compounds, which arise due to strong electronic correlations in the vicinity of quantum phase transitions.
Current resarch topics of the group
- Quantum critciality and unconventional superconductivity in Ce- and Yb-based heavy-fermion systems
- Quantum phase transitions and electronic nematic ordering in Ruthenates
- High-Tc Superconductivity and magnetism in iron-pnictides
- Interplay of electronic correlations and spin-orbit coupling in iridates
- Low-dimensional quantum spin systems
We synthesize single crystals by the flux-, Bridgman and zone-melting (image furnace) method. Polycrystals are prepared by arc melting and induction heating. For the synthesis of thin films (thickness ~100 nm), the metalorganic aerosol deposition technique is utilized.
Characterization of the samples is performed using X-ray, EDX, STM, electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility and specific heat measurements.
Selected samples are studied under hydrostatic pressure up to 15 kbar and at very low temperatures (down to 10 mK) and very high magnetic fields (up to 18 Tesla). We apply thermodynamic (specific heat and thermal expansion), magnetic (susceptibility and magnetocaloric effect) and transport measurements.
Collaborations
- M. Brando, C. Geibel, M. Nicklas, F. Steglich, MPI CPFS Dresden
- J. Müller, M. Lang, Uni Frankfurt
- H.-A. Krug v. Nidda, J. Deisenhofer, A. Loidl, Uni Augsburg
- J. Fink, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
- M. Garst, A. Rosch, Uni Köln
- M. Scheffler, M. Dressel, Uni Stuttgart
- Y. Singh, IISER Mohali
- Q. Si, Houston
- A.P. Mackenzie, St. Andrews
- E.D. Bauer, J.L. Sarrao, Los Alamos
- S. Nakatsuju, ISSP Tokyo