Excellence in research: investigation of novel spin textures in non-centrosymmetric magnetic materials

The National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities awarded Norfolk State University $519,949 on October 1, 2025, under the Integrative Activities program (CFDA 47.083) to investigate novel spin textures in non-centrosymmetric magnetic materials through neutron scattering techniques.

The project synthesizes and characterizes non-centrosymmetric magnetic materials including ScTMGe (TM = Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu), Mn-doped ScFeGe, and chiral magnetic oxides. Neutron scattering measurements will determine spin arrangements and lattice properties to assess potential applications in nanometer-scale quantum-information technology. The research includes training graduate and undergraduate students in neutron scattering measurements, data analysis, single-crystal growth, and low-temperature physics laboratory techniques.

Prairie View A&M University and Rice University collaborate with Norfolk State University on material synthesis, characterization, and neutron scattering analysis. Norfolk State University performs work at its location in Norfolk, Virginia. The award period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.

Abstract

Non-technical abstract in most solids, for every atom within the unit cell at position (x, y, z) there is an indistinguishable atom at (-x,-y,-z). These materials are called centrosymmetric materials. However, magnetic materials where the centrosymmetry is broken, termed noncentrosymmetric materials, have attracted considerable attention in recent years owing to their potential for future nanometer-scale quantum-information technology applications. The aim of this project is to study the fundamental spin and lattice properties of noncentrosymmetric magnets using neutron scattering technique. Neutron scattering is a powerful probe that can determine the spin arrangements of the noncentrosymmetric materials, which will allow their potential use for future applications. The planned research will also train the next generation of graduate and undergraduate students at prairie view a & m university (pvamu) for neutron scattering measurements and data analysis. In addition, students will learn how to grow single crystals and basic laboratory skills in low-temperature physics. The joint efforts by combining the strength of pvamu, norfolk state university, and rice university will develop an internationally competitive program involving both the growth of novel complex materials and neutron scattering. Technical abstract this project focuses on the synthesis and characterization of non-centrosymmetric magnetic materials such as sctmge (TM = FE, MN, CO, NI, CU), MN-doped scfege, and chiral magnetic oxides. Both end members scfege and scmnge crystallize in hexagonal crystal structure having p-62M space group. Scfege is an itinerant helimagnetic system below ~36 k with wavevector k = (0 0 0.193) and a magnetic moment ? 0.53 ?b confined to the AB plane. A metamagnetic transition is observed with a threshold field of ? 6.6 t when h is parallel to the AB plane. The main element of this research plan is the preparation of the above listed materials in polycrystalline form and high-quality single crystals, followed by characterization of their physical properties, including determination of structure, phase purity and the measurement of their electronic, and magnetic properties. The experimental results obtained from this research will unveil the interrelationships between structural and magnetic properties of materials. The samples are synthesized at prairie view, rice, and norfolk state university, followed by characterization of their physical properties, including determination of structure, and the measurement of their electronic, and magnetic properties. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.