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327-2203-00L 5 Credits DR , MSC D-MATL

Complex Materials II: Structure & Properties

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Jörg F. Löffler, Prof. Dr. Manfred Fiebig
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:21:52

Abstract

The course presents structure-property relationships in complex materials, such as ferroic crystals, heterostructures and disordered materials.

Objective

The aim of the course is to impart detailed knowledge of the structure-property relationships in complex materials, such as ferroic crystals, heterostructures and disordered materials. Students are encouraged to reflect critically on the topics taught in the lecture. They should give critical feedback and in this way structure the progress of the lecture.

Content

In part 1, single crystals and heterostructures will be investigated for unconventional manifestations of ferroic order, such as (anti-) ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity, ferrotoroidicity and in particular the coexistence of two or more of these. Domains and their interaction are of particular interest. They are visualized by laser-optical and force microscopy techniques. Very often the (multi-)ferroic order is a consequence of the competing interactions between spins, charges, orbitals, and lattices. This interplay is resolved by ultrafast laser spectroscopy with access to the sub-picosecond timescale. Part 2 focuses on the synthesis and processing of amorphous materials using physical routes. The resulting structure is discussed, as well as their thermodynamics and kinetics. The course focuses in particular on the relationships between the structure of glassy metals and other disordered materials and their resulting mechanical, thermophysical, biomedical and electronic properties. As to processing, new manufacturing routes such as 3D printing of metals are also introduced.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture material is presented in the form of slides and assignments, with the aim that the students develop their own, critical perspective on the subject. This results in a continuous adoption of the lecture content with respect to the feedback given by the students. A script is not provided as it would promote a "read, memorize, and reproduce" learning perspective, which is the exact opposite of the intention of this course.Further details at:https://metphys.mat.ethz.ch/education/lectures/complex-materials-ii.html

Literature

References to original articles and reviews for further reading will be provided.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 75 minutes
Aids
Nicht programmierbarer Taschenrechner
Over the course of the lecture, students are asked to solve eight assignments. For reasonably solved assignments students will receive up to 0.25 grade points to improve the total course unit grade.Hilfsmittel / exam aids: Non-programmable pocket calculator

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Complex Materials II: Structure & Properties
  • Mon 07:45-11:30 (HCI J 6)
4 h weekly

Offered In