Michael Garcia Alcoser

Major: Physics
Mentors: Dr. Brenden Ortiz, Professor Stephen Wilson

Powder Synthesis of Lanthanide Pyrochlores - Ln₂InSbO₇

Pyrochlores are a broad family of minerals with the common form of A₂³⁺B₂⁴⁺O₇. These minerals seem to possess interesting characteristics in the world of condensed matter physics. Some pyrochlores tend to naturally form frustrated systems. The result of frustration can lead to a system characterized as spin glass, spin ice, or a theorized spin liquid. Our team’s focus was primarily on creating and refining the synthesis of an unknown group of mixed site lanthanide pyrochlores Ln₂InSbO₇, using ball-milling and microwave techniques. Replication of these methods could facilitate further investigation of these unique pyrochlores’ properties for possible future application.