Wednesday Colloquia

The third paradigm of nanoscience

by Prof. Pushan Ayyub (DCMP&MS, TIFR)

Wednesday, January 17, 2018 from to (Asia/Kolkata)
at Lecture Theatre ( AG-66 )
TIFR
Description
Physical properties of solids are often sensitive functions of their crystal structure: tiny variations in the local symmetry and interatomic spacing may cause substantial changes in the way they behave. We know this from the response of a solid to changes in temperature and pressure. As a decrease in size causes small but regular changes in the unit cell dimensions, the particle size is a very effective parameter in exploring the property landscape of a solid and causes less ‘collateral damage’ than temperature and pressure. This approach has led us to the observation of: a) superconductivity down to unexpectedly small sizes, b) magnetic moments on isolated Fe atoms embedded in metal nanoparticles, c) loss of ferroelectricity in nanocrystalline oxides and d) unusual crystal structures.