This $153,988 National Science Foundation (NSF) project grant, awarded under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) program, supports an experimental study of the thermophysical properties and magnetocaloric effects in ferromagnetic materials at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The research aims to better understand the complex interplay between atomic vibrations and magnetic spins, and how these spin-phonon interactions impact thermal expansion and the efficiency of magnetic refrigeration materials. The project utilizes advanced measurement techniques, including X-ray scattering at the Advanced Photon Source, to characterize the materials of interest, such as Fe-Pd, La1Fe11.5Si1.5, and EuO. In addition to the core research objectives, the award supports mentoring undergraduate and high school students in scientific research activities. The research is part of a Ph.D. thesis at Caltech and will contribute to advancing fundamental knowledge in materials science and magnetocaloric refrigeration technology.
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