The anomalous Hall effect is a phenomenon that can occur in magnetic materials, where an electric current flowing through a metal sample generates a voltage perpendicular to the magnetic field and current. This effect is typically observed in ferromagnetic materials where electron spins are aligned.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have recently made a groundbreaking discovery related to the anomalous Hall effect during a phase transition referred to as the devil’s staircase magnetic transition. This unique magnetic transition phenomenon was observed in the magnetic material SrCo6O11, leading to the manifestation of a large anomalous Hall effect even at temperatures exceeding the magnetic transition temperature.
The significant anomalous Hall effect observed in SrCo6O11 was attributed to intense scattering of conduction electrons caused by a specific type of spin fluctuation known as spin-flip fluctuation. These fluctuations of electron spins in magnetic materials play a crucial role in triggering the anomalous Hall effect, even above the magnetic transition temperature where spins are usually disordered.
The discovery of the devil’s staircase magnetic transition and its impact on the anomalous Hall effect have profound implications for magneto-thermoelectric conversion technology. This environmentally friendly power generation technology could potentially benefit from the development of new thermoelectric conversion materials based on the principles revealed in this study.
The research conducted by the University of Tsukuba research group sheds light on the intricate relationship between electron spin fluctuations, phase transitions, and the anomalous Hall effect in magnetic materials. By uncovering the unique properties of materials like SrCo6O11 with the devil’s staircase magnetic transition, new possibilities for enhancing magneto-thermoelectric conversion technology have emerged. This study paves the way for future developments in the field of thermoelectric conversion materials, promising a more sustainable approach to power generation.
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