Interplay between orbital ordering and lattice distortions in perovskites

The candidate will investigate the interplay between orbital order / Jahn-Teller distortions in a variety of technologically relevant perovskite with a view to understanding how properties such as ferroelectricity and colossal magnetoresistance can be enhanced. To achieve the aim of the project the student will use high temperature and hydrostatic pressure synthesis to form novel solid solutions. These materials will be studied by a variety of in situ diffraction experiments as a function of temperature and other applied stimuli such as strain and hydrostatic pressure. Detailed Rietveld analysis will be performed to ascertain how these control parameters effect the orbital ordering and lattice distortions, aiding the interpretation of the structure-property relationship in these materials.