Scanning probe microscopy and magnetic measurements of magnetocaloric materials

Abstract

Unlike traditional methods of refrigeration that rely on vapour-compression-cooling (VCC), magnetic refrigeration (MR) offers the potential for a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution. Considerable research has been conducted into the feasibility of using magnetic materials for refrigeration purposes since the turn of the millennium and this has indicated that there are several materials that may potentially satisfy the various requirements needed for MR to become commercially viable. It is the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) that is ultimately responsible for MR, whereby the effect alters the temperature of magnetocaloric material (MCM) in response to the applying and removing of a magnetic field. This thesis investigation examines MCM, paying particular attention to the fundamental magnetic qualities of materials based on GdSiGe. These are considered to be promising MUM that could conceivably be applied in industrial applications. The purpose of the current study is to develop our understanding of GdSiGe’s magnetic qualities as well as clarifying how rough the surfaces of GdSiGe films are. Moreover, the research will help to confirm whether or not there is a correlation between a film and its magnetic qualities including its preparation conditions and magnetisation.