Pulsed Field Group
Research
In the pulsed field group solid-state physics is investigated in high magnetic fields up to B=70 Tesla.
High magnetic fields are a basic research tool in contemporary condensed matter physics. In many cases,
higher magnetic fields improve the understanding of physical phenomena or are even the only way to
reveal them.
The research is focused on the following topics: the normal state properties of high temperature superconductors,
the magnetic properties of spin-Peierls compounds, Mn-Oxide CMR materials and Fe-Oxide garnet compounds,
and the photoluminescent properties of low dimensional semiconductors structures such as self-assembled
quantum dots and quantum wells. Read more ...
History
The K.U.Leuven pulsed magnet facility was established in the sixties by the late Prof. A. Van Itterbeek.
During the period 1972 - 1997 the laboratory was directed by Prof. Em. F. Herlach who continuously developed the
facility further along two lines: improved pulsed-field-coil design and enhanced capabilities for experimentation.
In 1995, the pulsed field facility joined the Laboratory of Solid-State Physics and Magnetism (VSM),
which gave a new impulse for modernisation and broadened the horizon towards other disciplines of physics.
At present the facility is lead by
Prof. V.V. Moshchalkov,
in close collaboration with
Prof. Em. F. Herlach
and Prof. J. Vanacken
In 1998, two members of our group, Dr. Luc Van Bockstal and Dr. Alain De Keyser started a spin-off company,
METIS Instruments & Equipment n.v..
Prof. W. Boon (°12/03/1942- +24/02/2002) was technically in charge of the pulsed field facility from 1997 - 2002.
Prof. J. Vanacken
is at present technically in charge of the 5kV and 10 kV bank, respectively.
