Session KB: Forefront Materials Physics III

3:45 PM–5:45 PM, Friday, October 31, 2008
Holiday Inn Brownstone - Washington

Chair: David Aspnes, North Carolina State University

Abstract ID: BAPS.2008.SES.KB.1

Abstract: KB.00001 : Magnetocapacitance and the physics of solid state interfaces

3:45 PM–4:15 PM

Preview Abstract

Author:

  Arthur Hebard
    (University of Florida)

When Herbert Kroemer stated in his Nobel address [1] that ``the interface is the device,'' he was implicitly acknowledging the importance of understanding the physics of interfaces. If interfaces are to have character traits, then ``impedance'' (or complex capacitance) would be a commonly used descriptor. In this talk I will discuss the use of magnetic fields to probe the ``character'' of a variety of interfaces including planar capacitor structures with magnetic electrodes, simple metal/semiconductor contacts (Schottky barriers) and the interface-dominated competition on microscopic length scales between ferromagnetic metallic and charge-ordered insulating phases in complex oxides. I will show that seeking experimental answers to surprisingly simple questions often leads to striking results that seriously challenge theoretical understanding. Perhaps Herbert Kroemer should have said, ``the interface is the device with a magnetic personality that continually surprises.'' \\[3pt] [1] Herbert Kroemer, ``Quasielectric fields and band offsets: teaching electron s new tricks,'' Nobel Lecture, December 8, 2000:

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2008.SES.KB.1