Research

The activities of department focus on development and characterization of new magnetic materials with enhanced functional properties for various technological applications.  Our emphasis is given on understanding the structure-property relationships, utilizing characterization methods across different length scales to better clarify the effect of nano-, micro- and macro-structure on magnetic behavior. The recent research is centered on utilization of new preparation and/or processing techniques that would lead to development of targeted microstructures with desired properties. Among the others, we are using unconventional processing techniques such as ultra-rapid annealing and/or thermal treatment in high magnetic fields.

Our long-term interest is focused on amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys prepared by controlled crystallization of amorphous precursors. Besides the high magnetic induction values, these alloys show particularly good soft magnetic properties (high permeability, low values of coercive field and small energy losses). This combination makes them attractive materials for use in several applications such as high-frequency transformers, electric motors, magnetic sensors, various components of electronic devices and magnetic shielding. Soft magnetic amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys are objects of our interest also due to their applications in highly sensitive magnetic sensors. Typical examples are flux-gate sensors and GMI sensors based on giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) effect. Part of the research activities is devoted to the development of novel magnetic nanoparticle systems and permanent magnets with reduced dependence on critical raw materials.

HRTEM micrograph of FeNiNbB nanocrystalline alloy