Magnetic Properties Measurement System for Manchester and National EPR Facility

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The magnetic properties of materials are of fundamental importance across all areas of physical science and, moreover, are of enormous technological importance. The measurement of these magnetic properties requires specialised instrumentation, and the most sensitive method is via "super-conducting quantum interference device" (SQUID) magnetometer methods. The proposal here is to purchase the latest model SQUID magnetometer that includes important features such as a closed-system (cryogen free) cryostat for magnet and sample cooling (removing unsustainable reliance on liquid helium), alternating current (AC) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) options for dynamic measurements, sample rotation for structure-function relationships, optical excitation for multifunctional materials, and a very wide temperature range of study. The new apparatus will significantly enhance capability in magnetic measurements both in terms of speed of measurements (throughput of samples) and new types of measurements (e.g. accessibility to different timescales of dynamics of magnetic behaviour). The instrumentation requested is the most sensitive that is available commercially. The new equipment will underpin a huge range of interdisciplinary science at The University of Manchester across chemistry, physics, materials, computer and earth sciences. Areas that will be supported include: magnetic properties on the nano- to micron-scale, from molecular to "artificial atom" (quantum dot) to thin-films and patterned arrays; new physics that results from this, including magnetic memory, or refrigeration, or frustration effects; new chemistry and the nature of chemical bonding involving actinide elements; spintronics; bioremediation of metal wastes into useful materials. Moreover, it will be used to characterise new materials that are being exploited in areas including lithography, data storage, and biomedical applications including via established SMEs. The new magnetometer will be incorporated into the EPSRC National EPR Facility, which will ensure the widest impact and UK national availability through an established mechanism. By housing it in the same laboratory as state-of-the-art EPR spectrometers (electron paramagnetic resonance, continuous wave and pulsed) the proposal will establish a hugely powerful scientific facility since these complementary methods are the two most powerful techniques for studying paramagnetic materials.