SCOOTMO is an acronym of the Research Training Network on

Spin, charge and orbital ordering in complex transition metal oxides:
an integrated synthesis and measurement approach

founded within the 5th Framework Programme of the European Commission.

42 months (from 2002-10-01 to 2006-03-31)

The network of eight laboratories works at the interface of physics and chemistry on the control of the properties of transition metal oxides via manipulation of the chemical structure over a variety of length scales, with the aim of enhancing our understanding of the control of colossal magnetoresistance and high-temperature superconductivity. Transition metal chemistry is characterised by a wide variety of oxidation states and co-ordination environments: the structural chemistry of the oxides of these elements is therefore extremely diverse, with extensive opportunities for structural modification. The physical properties of these materials depend critically on whether the d-electrons are localised at the individual transition metals sites or delocalised throughout the solid, and this electronic communication between neighbouring cations is controlled by the extent of covalent metal d-orbital - oxide p-orbital interaction. The overall objectives are · understanding the causes and consequences of charge ordering (CO) and orbital ordering (OO) and nano- to mesoscopic phase segregation in oxides with highly correlated electrons · targetted synthesis of structurally complex oxides in which charge, site and orbital order are exploited to generate cooperative magnetic and electronic properties · understanding the chemical control of electronic properties in these systems

The difficulty of discovering new materials and predicting their structures and physical properties means that it is hard for industrial organisations to benefit directly from investment in fundamental materials synthesis research. The possibility of discovering new applicable properties means that such research remains important for society. Transition metal oxides display a fascinating range of physical properties, which have already resulted in important technological applications of ferrite and ferroelectric oxides. The new electronic ground states discovered by modern synthesis and measurement offer new applications opportunities. The examples of colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) and high temperature superconductivity, which arise from the academically interesting area of correlated electronic systems, illustrate these points. The recent delivery of high Tc superconductor-based devices (demonstration power transmission using high Tc cables already exists: the first superconducting magnetic energy storage devices have been delivered, and superconducting filters for mobile telecom base stations are being installed) indicates that technology based on oxides can be developed for applications.

The training objective of the project is to give the young researchers awareness of the state-of-the-art in the broad range of disciplines necessary for researchers to operate at the Chemistry-Physics interface. This is necessary given the still-outmoded scope of most undergraduate and Ph.D training and textbooks.The research objectives selected are at the leading edge of a highly topical area at the boundary between chemistry and physics, and thus require the application of advanced methods, in both areas. The collaboration between the synthesis and measurement groups, involving the interlaboratory exchange programme, the daily exchange of data and the tutorial and research presentations at the network meetings will be the means of delivering this training.

Physics

HPRN-CT-2002-00293