Control of magnetocalorics by interface engineering in MAB phase and antiperovskite thin film model systems (B02)

• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials ; Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 405553726

Prototype thin film systems and multilayers of the magnetocaloric materials (Mn3GaC phase and Fe2AlB2 MAB phase) with thin FM and AFM layers will be prepared. The magnetocaloric properties will be controlled by exchange coupling between the magnetocaloric material and a ferromagnetic (FM) or antiferromagnetic (AFM) material. To maximize the adiabatic temperature change and tune the transition temperature different elemental dopants will be tested and the magnetic response characterized together with projects A03, B05 and A04. In this way, we aim to match the AFM/FM and FM/PM phase transitions in Mn3GaC and engineer the quasi 2nd order phase transition in Fe2AlB2 towards a 1st order transition for magnetic refrigeration in close interaction with project B03.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 270: Hysteresis Design of Magnetic Materials for Efficient Energy Conversion: HoMMage
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Darmstadt
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Ulf Wiedwald