06/08/2020: Spintronics:
Researchers show how to make non-magnetic materials magnetic

A complex process can modify non-magnetic oxide materials in such a way to make them magnetic. The basis for this new phenomenon is controlled layer-by-layer growth of each material. An international research team with researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) reported on their unexpected findings in the journal "Nature Communications".

The theoretical calculations and explanations for this newly discovered phenomenon were made by Ingrid Mertig’s team of physicists. The method was then experimentally tested by several research groups throughout Europe - including a group led by Professor Kathrin Dörr from MLU. They were able to prove the magnetism in the materials. "This combination of computer simulations and experiments enabled us to decipher the complex mechanism responsible for the development of magnetism," explains Mertig.

The study builds upon the work of the former Collaborative Research Centre 762 "Functionality of Oxide Interfaces" at MLU, which was funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) from 2008 to 2019.

• Press Release of Martin Luther University
• The paper in Nature Communications    

10/07/2020: Final Report of the SFB 762 published

The Final Report of the Collaborative Research Centre 762 has been published as a Special Issue in Physica Status Solidi B. It comprises a total of 31 contributions, thereof two Reviews and eleven Feature Articles.

• Physica Status Solidi B Volume 257, Issue 7 (2020) – Special Issue: Functionality of Oxide Interfaces